NewzIntel.com

Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI China: China, New Zealand hold first round of talks on services trade negative list

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, March 27 — China and New Zealand have held the first round of negotiations on a services trade negative list under their free trade agreement (FTA), China’s Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.

    The talks, held in Beijing from March 25 to 26, made positive progress and focused on establishing the principles, scope and framework for the negative list negotiations, the ministry said in a statement.

    The ministry added that the two countries will implement important consensus reached by their leaders while actively advancing the negotiation process to elevate bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

    The FTA was signed in April 2008 and came into effect in October of the same year. In January 2021, the two sides signed an upgraded protocol to the FTA, further deepening practical cooperation across various sectors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Robert Bird: Legal Strategy is an Untapped Competitive Advantage for Companies

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    CEOs and corporations should integrate legal strategy – an often-overlooked competitive advantage – into the core of their business plans, says Business law professor Robert Bird.

    “Legal knowledge is the last great source of untapped competitive advantage in organizations, and the corporations that recognize this can unlock a storehouse of value creation that their rivals might miss,’’ Bird says.

    Bird lays out the case for the competitive advantage of legal strategy in a new book, “Legal Knowledge in Organizations: A Source of Strategic and Competitive Advantage’’ (Cambridge University Press), which is out today.

    “When applied strategically, legal expertise can reveal opportunities for innovation, improve risk management, foster better decision-making, and support a culture of integrity,’’ he says.

    Legal Strategy Offers Much More than Compliance Mandates

    Take, for example, a company that establishes a strong policy against sexual harassment, Bird says. Instead of ignoring or minimizing sexual harassment concerns, the company prides itself on having zero tolerance and makes support and respect for women a core value of the organization.

    “Legal requirements related to sexual harassment and other workplace rules are more than just mandates. They have the potential to transform organizational culture and support women at all levels of the company,” Bird says. “Ultimately, that becomes a tremendous advantage in recruiting and retaining top talent.’’

    Legal knowledge holds many other strategic advantages as well, Bird says. A pro-active legal team can minimize risk; create contracts with intrinsic value that build relationships, loyalty, and trust; and merge intellectual prowess with corporate integrity.

    Bird says it took about two years to complete the book, but it reflects over 20 years of thought, research, and experience.

    “I’ve had an enduring curiosity about how lawyers and other legal experts can make companies more competitive and also more ethical,’’ he says. “A variety of businesses can profit from this guidance, but pharmaceutical, financial services, health care, and other highly regulated industries can particularly benefit.”

    The new book also offers a step-by-step guide to implementing legal strategy into a company.

    “I think the information in this book can bridge the gap between legal knowledge and business goals,’’ Bird says. “This content is meant to serve the broad business community, from lawyers to aspiring managers to business executives.’’

    Legal Expertise No Longer on the Periphery

    Bird says he believes this strategy has been overlooked by businesses because of the different perspectives that lawyers and businesspeople have.

    “Lawyers tend to be more conservative, and business people are more willing to take risks,’’ he says. “That can be a source of disagreement, but if both sides collaborate with one another there is the potential for a significant value creation.”

    Leveraging legal knowledge into competitive value requires a different way of thinking about how the organization works.

    “To be effective, leadership needs two things, an understanding of the law and an innovative mindset on how to use it in new ways that capture value,’’ he says. “We need to shed the thinking of the legal team as a static, punitive force, and embrace it as something dynamic, a value generator, and part of a fundamental strategy, that is no less valuable than other business disciplines.’’

    Bird emphasizes that legal knowledge must be deployed ethically and in a socially responsible manner.

    “Legal strategy is not a license to circumvent legal obligations, but a valuable opportunity to grow an organization that generates superior value for both business and society,” he says.

    Bird has been a professor of business law at UConn for 21 years and he also serves as the Eversource Energy Chair in Business Ethics. He earned his JD and MBA from Boston University. A prolific writer, he has authored more than 80 articles in the Journal of Law and Economics, American Business Law Journal, the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy and the MIT Sloan Management Review and has received numerous research and teaching awards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Drone Manufacturers Racing to Introduce Latest Technology as Global Aerial Survey Services Market Projected to Reach $790 Billion By 2031

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Many investors have been watching the drone industry consistently growing over the past years and are expecting the same expansions to continue. The popularity of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for aerial imagery is quickly expanding this market. A report from Verified Market Research said that the Aerial Survey Services Market size, which was valued at USD 22.67 Billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 791.21 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 55.90% during the forecast period 2024-2031. The report added: “The rising use of drone services for industry-specific solutions, improved regulatory framework, and increased demand for qualitative data in various industries are projected to boost the expansion of the Drone Aerial Survey Services Market. Aerial imaging is being more widely used in defense applications. Natural calamities are becoming more common. Aerial camera systems have been improving steadily. Drone technology has attracted venture capital investment. During the forecast period, the enterprise segment of the Aerial Survey Services Market is expected to grow at the fastest rate. All industries benefit from enterprise solutions because they provide end-to-end services. The enterprise solution segment is being driven by the rising demand for analytical services and software solutions in the Aerial Survey Services Market.” Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSE American: KULR).

    Verified Market Research continued: “A rise in demand from a variety of industries is fueling the growth of the Drone Aerial Survey Services Market. Aerial photography is used in agriculture to track effective changes in yield production, crop health management, and soil improvement. Aerial imaging services are needed by the defense sector to protect border areas and prepare map structures. Aerial imaging services are also being used more widely in research and exploration, archaeological surveys, mining, oil and gas, and resource management. The Drone Aerial Survey Services Market is still in its early stages of development, and the expansion of application areas is expected to accelerate market growth over the forecast period. During the coronavirus pandemic, aerial imaging helped the construction industry. The benefits of aerial imaging for contracted surveying, onsite inspections, and design planning applications have been augmented by the construction, roofing, and solar industries.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Signs LOI to Acquire Eighth Land Survey Company Advancing Drone as a Service in a $2.5 Billion US Drone Survey Market by 2033 – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that it has signed an LOI (Letter of Intent) to acquire an eighth land survey engineering company which marks the second LOI located in Arizona. Upon completion, these locations will serve as a launchpad to further Southwest regional development and contribute to the Company’s national DaaS business model intended to bring the speed and precision of ZenaDrone’s AI drone solutions in a convenient subscription or pay-per-use model for businesses and government users.

    “Arizona is strategic to our US operations as the base of our subsidiary ZenaDrone where our second drone manufacturing facility will be. Our vision with Drone as a Service is to capture part of the drone survey market that is growing by double-digits and is expected to reach USD $2.5 billion by 2033. We plan to build our national presence offering ZenaDrone products and services for land surveys and many other applications,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    According to Fact.MR, the global drone surveying market is poised for substantial growth and is expected to be worth over USD $8 billion globally by 2033 of which North America is expected to represent 35%. This market is expanding at a CAGR of over 19%, driven by increasing demand from industries such as construction, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Within the drone surveying market, land surveys represent 53%, with significant adoption in real estate, urban planning, environmental applications and infrastructure projects.

    Drones as a Service or DaaS works similarly to Software as a Service (SaaS), but instead of providing software over the internet, this business model offers drone technology solutions and services on a subscription or pay-per-use basis. With DaaS, businesses and government customers can conveniently access drones for tasks such as surveying, inspections, security, law enforcement, or precision agriculture solutions without having to buy, operate or maintain the drones themselves.

    ZenaTech’s DaaS model offers customers including government agencies, builders and real estate developers, construction firms and farmers reduced upfront costs as there is no need to purchase expensive drones, and convenience as the company manages maintenance and operation. DaaS also offers scalability to companies to use more often or less often based on their needs and enables access to advanced drone technology and applications without the need for specialized training or equipment.

    Accurate land surveys are essential for the planning, design, and execution of roads, bridges, and building projects for cities, commercial, and residential projects, and are required for legal purposes. Remotely piloted drones with an array of sensors and cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and GPS systems for capturing high-resolution pictures and data are revolutionizing the land survey industry gathering aerial data across expansive terrains in a matter of hours instead of weeks or months using more traditional photogrammetry methods.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Developing Indoor Drone Swarm Application for Inventory Management and Security with Auto Parts Manufacturer Customer – ZenaTech, Inc. this week also announced its subsidiary ZenaDrone is developing a drone swarm application using multiple indoor IQ Nano drones for inventory management and security applications. ZenaDrone is conducting this development with its auto parts manufacturer customer where it is currently engaged in a paid trial.

    A drone swarm is a coordinated group of autonomous drones that communicate and work together using AI and real-time data sharing, to perform tasks collaboratively without direct human control. Drone swarms can enhance efficiency, accuracy, automation and performance compared to a single drone.

    “We are pioneering the development of autonomous drone swarm technology, revolutionizing indoor inventory management and warehouse security by providing real-time, more accurate stock tracking and surveillance with reduced manual processes. We believe this technology will enable warehouses to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and enhance safety and security while setting a new industry standard for AI drones,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently announced that financial results for the 2024 Stub Period (as of December 31, 2024 and the eight months then ended) will be reported on Monday, March 31, 2025 at the market close.

    Company management will host an earnings conference call at 4:30p.m. ET on Monday, March 31, 2025 to review financial results and provide an update on corporate developments. Following management’s formal remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session.

    Interested parties can listen to the conference call by dialing 1-844-413-3977 (within the U.S.) or 1-412-317-1803 (international). Callers should dial in approximately ten minutes prior to the start time and ask to be connected to the Red Cat conference call. Participants can also pre-register for the call using the following link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10198203/fecb0dc7ae

    AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) recently reported financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended January 25, 2025. “We faced a number of short-term challenges in the third quarter, including the unprecedented high winds and fires in Southern California, which impacted our ability to meet our goals,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Nevertheless, we made significant progress towards executing our long-term growth strategy and building resiliency for the future.

    “This quarter, we booked record Switchblade and Jump-20 orders, which helped expand our backlog to a record $764 million. We also announced our new Utah manufacturing facility, which will more than double our Switchblade capacity and provide resiliency against regional weather events. Finally, we made significant progress towards completing our BlueHalo acquisition, which we now expect to close in the second quarter of calendar year 2025. While this has been a transition year pivoting away from Ukraine demand, we still expect a strong fiscal year 2025 including record fourth quarter revenue.”

    KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSE American: KULR) recently announced will hold a conference call on Thursday, March 27th at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time) to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. The financial results will be issued in a press release prior to the call.

    KULR management will host the conference call, followed by a question-and-answer period. Interested parties can submit relevant questions prior to the call to Stuart Smith at SmallCapVoice.Com, Inc. via email: ssmith@smallcapvoice.com by 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, March 21st, 2025. Mr. Smith will compile a list of questions and submit them to the Company prior to the conference call. The questions that will get addressed will be based on the relevance to the shareholder base, and the appropriateness of the questions in light of public disclosure rules.

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) recently announced the appointment of Steve Mathias as Vice President of Global Sales and Business Development and Erik de Badts as Global Head of MicaSense Sales. AgEagle CEO Bill Irby commented, “As we execute a multi-faceted strategic growth plan focused on expanding our global footprint, the addition of both Steve and Erik’s impressive pedigrees will drive innovation, foster collaboration, and ensure that we remain agile in an evolving UAS marketplace. Steve brings multi-decade expertise in military and commercial aviation, both crewed and uncrewed, while Erik is a true subject matter expert in multi-spectral sensing. We are confident their leadership will help strengthen key partner relationships, unlock new opportunities, and accelerate revenue growth.”

    Steve Mathias is an aerospace business executive with over 30 years of senior leadership experience in both the military and aerospace industry. Prior to joining AgEagle, he served as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Growth at GKN Aerospace Defense, a leading global technology company specializing in advanced aerostructures and engine systems. Before his role at GKN Aerospace, Mr. Mathias was Vice President of Global Sales and Strategy at Bell Helicopter, where he led all domestic and international vertical lift defense sales, including both crewed and uncrewed systems. His background as a U.S. Army Officer includes significant special operations and conventional aviation experience with both manned and unmanned systems. In his final Army assignment, Steve served as the Deputy Chief of Staff G-8 for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, overseeing the requirements and Program Objective Memorandum (POM) processes for over 200 Army and Special Operations air and land programs.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.  FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Welcomes Oxford Oaks Capital to Linsco Channel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisor Austin Greer, CRPS ®, has joined LPL’s employee advisor channel, Linsco by LPL Financial, to launch Oxford Oaks Capital of LPL Financial. He reported serving approximately $600 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins LPL from UBS.

    Based in the Linsco office in Franklin, Tenn., Greer originally set out to become a high school English teacher before following his father’s footsteps into financial services. He appreciates the educational component of his role as a financial advisor to help clients understand their investments. Now with more than 17 years of industry experience, Greer focuses on retirement income planning, as well as tax and estate planning for high-net-worth clients, including business owners and doctors.

    Wealth Advisor John Dunahoo has been with the team for more than 11 years and Senior LPL Registered Service Associate Stephanie DePriest joined the firm in 2020, both bringing a wealth of knowledge and a client-first approach to the practice.

    “Our practice is very familial and holistic, with a friendly feel in our communications and approach,” Greer said. “We ask a lot of questions before putting together personalized, strategic financial plans and portfolios designed to help take the stress off our clients. We often tell clients, ‘We love investments, so you don’t have to.’”

    Why they made the move to Linsco by LPL
    Looking for more autonomy, enhanced technology and office efficiencies, the team turned to LPL for the next chapter of its business. They were drawn to the Linsco model, which serves financial advisors seeking the core tenets of independence, including owning their client relationships and having flexibility to run their practice, their way. With Linsco, advisors have access to LPL’s integrated wealth management platform and robust business resources, along with the additional benefits of having support from an experienced branch management team, dedicated marketing consultant and other resources that allow advisors to focus on their clients.

    “LPL’s robust investment in resources and technology was a compelling factor in our decision to make this transition,” Greer said. “We anticipate increased office efficiencies, streamlined operations and enhanced service capabilities. We also appreciate the pro-advisor culture at LPL and the flexibility to build a practice on our terms. Ultimately, aligning with LPL enables us to focus on our core strength—delivering exceptional client service.”

    Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development, said, “We welcome Austin, John and Stephanie to the Linsco community. With LPL’s support, more advisors are recognizing the importance of freedom and flexibility as they seek ways to differentiate themselves and enhance the client experience. We look forward to supporting Oxford Oaks Capital for years to come.”

    Related
    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial
    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports nearly 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.7 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 6 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2024.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 

    Tracking #714300

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GCM Grosvenor Hires Martin Laguerre as Co-Head of Global Diversified Private Equity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GCM Grosvenor, a global alternative asset management solutions provider, today announced the hiring of Martin Laguerre as Co-Head of Global Diversified Private Equity. Mr. Laguerre brings 25 years of investment experience spanning private equity, capital solutions, and infrastructure, with a strong track record of direct deal execution, portfolio management, and capital allocation across global markets. In his new role, he will serve as co-head alongside Bernard Yancovich, who also leads the firm’s diversified private equity practice.

    Mr. Laguerre most recently served as a Senior Advisor at Warburg Pincus. Prior to Warburg Pincus, he was Global Head of Private Equity and Capital Solutions at Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), where he led a global team overseeing a C$55 billion portfolio of private markets investments.

    Mr. Laguerre also held investment and leadership roles at CPP Investments and General Electric. He began his career in investment banking roles with DLJ/Credit Suisse and Lehman Brothers.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Martin to the firm and our investments leadership team,” said Fred Pollock, Chief Investment Officer at GCM Grosvenor. “His deep global alternative investment expertise and understanding of institutional investor priorities will strengthen our private equity platform. Martin’s leadership will play a key role in enhancing our ability to deliver solutions for our clients.”

    At GCM Grosvenor, Mr. Laguerre will focus on enhancing the firm’s three-decade legacy of private equity investing, leveraging the firm’s deep sourcing network. The firm currently has $30 billion of assets under management in private equity.

    “I am eager to join GCM Grosvenor and collaborate with its talented investment team,” said Martin Laguerre. “The firm’s deep expertise in private markets and its commitment to delivering strong investment outcomes for clients make this an exciting opportunity. I look forward to contributing to its continued success.”

    Mr. Laguerre holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Management Science from McGill University, the Chartered Financial Analyst© designation from the CFA Institute and an MBA in Finance and International Business from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago.

    About GCM Grosvenor 

    GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG) is a global alternative asset management solutions provider with approximately $80 billion in assets under management across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and absolute return investment strategies. The firm has specialized in alternatives for more than 50 years and is dedicated to delivering value for clients by leveraging its cross-asset class and flexible investment platform. 

    GCM Grosvenor’s experienced team of approximately 550 professionals serves a global client base of institutional and individual investors. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Sydney. For more information, visit: gcmgrosvenor.com. 

    Media Contact 
    Tom Johnson and Abigail Ruck 
    H/Advisors Abernathy 
    tom.johnson@h-advisors.global / abigail.ruck@h-advisors.global 
    212-371-5999 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Block Advisors by H&R Block to Provide Timely Support for The Home Depot’s Pro Xtra Loyalty Members

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Block Advisors by H&R Block and The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, have collaborated for the 2025 tax season to help hardworking Pro customers offload stressful administrative business tasks. This robust collaboration offers significant benefits to Pro Xtra members, such as discounted services, including tax preparation, empowering them to focus on growing their business.

    “Our initiative with The Home Depot helps Pro Xtra members navigate the complexities of running a business, such as taxes and bookkeeping,” says Jamil Khan, Chief Small Business Officer at H&R Block. “Having experts that understand the tax codes relevant to the industry helps Pro Xtra members keep more of their hard-earned money.”

    The service launched earlier this month ahead of the fast-approaching April 15 tax filing deadline. Block Advisors is backed by 70 years of H&R Block expertise and has category-specific knowledge to help Pro Xtra members lower their tax liability. A Block Advisors tax pro can help business owners understand and leverage such deductions and credits as:

    • 45L Tax Credit: This tax credit is available to eligible businesses who build or substantially renovate energy-efficient homes and offers significant tax-time upside.
    • Deductions for equipment and property: With a Section 179 deduction, companies can capture tax savings on some big-ticket expenses like property purchases, office renovations, and necessary equipment.
    • Professional materials deduction: The cost of materials and supplies can be deducted, depending on the timing of the usage. This often applies to things like cleaning supplies, production expenses, and shipping costs.
    • Vehicle and mileage deductions: The costs of driving and maintaining a vehicle for business use can add up fast. Owners can write off many expenses related to the business use of a vehicle.

    As part of the collaboration, Pro Xtra members benefit from a special offer* on Block Advisors tax preparation and year-round services, including:

    • $50 off tax preparation with a Small Business Certified Tax Pro
    • $25 off DIY online tax preparation
    • $25 off business formation services 
    • First month free, plus 10% off bookkeeping and payroll services 

    The Home Depot Pro Xtra members can learn about Block Advisors’ offer at The Home Depot Pro Desks and can also visit www.blockadvisors.com for more information on Block Advisors’ tax preparation and year-round business services.

    *Discounts valid online or at participating Block Advisors or H&R Block U.S. offices. Additional restrictions apply. See The Home Depot Pro Desks for details. Void if transferred and where prohibited. No cash value. OBTP#B13696-BR ©2024 HRB Tax Group, Inc.

    About H&R Block
    H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young musicians delighted to win Aberdeen competition

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Two talented musicians are celebrating success at the Aberdeen finals of the Scottish Young Musicians Competition 2025, held at the Cowdray Hall, earlier this week.

    Violinist Michelle Tse, a pupil at Aberdeen Grammar School, won the Aberdeen City Council Senior Solo Performer of the Year 2025, which was open to city pupils in Year Four to Year Six at Secondary School.

    Michelle will now represent Aberdeen in the finals of the national competition on Sunday 25 May at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

    Diya Dileep, a saxophonist, from Cults Academy, won the Aberdeen City Council Junior Solo Performer of the Year 2025, for Year Three pupils at Secondary School and below.

    Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Huge congratulations to Michelle and Diya and well done to all the young musicians who participated in the competition.  We have amazing creative talent in our area. It’s great to enjoy the excellent music-making from our local musicians.

    “I’m sure everyone will join me in wishing Michelle all the very best in the final of the Scottish Young Musician competition in Glasgow in May.”

    Following her winning performance Michelle said: “It was truly an exciting evening—thank you to all my teachers, fellow musicians, and the adjudicators. It is my great honour to represent the City of Aberdeen at the finals.”

    The finalists performed before a panel of external judges: Jenna Main, Business Development Manager, Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music; Craig McDermott, Head teacher, Northfield Academy; and Clara-Jane Maunder, emerging composer and violinist from Aberdeen, who has also composed the city’s official anthem for the forthcoming Tall Ships festival.

    For the third year running, the Council’s Music Service had organised the local competition, in partnership with the Scottish Young Musicians competition, which is open to all young musicians who go to school in Scotland, whatever standard or age.

    120 young musicians in Aberdeen entered the first round of the competition in January 2025.

    The junior event was held on Monday 24 March and the senior event took place on Tuesday 25 March. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives re-open

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives will re-open to the public for research visits at the Town House on Broad Street on Tuesday 29 April. The Archives have been closed to the public for almost a year to allow the team to carry out a major collection move from Old Aberdeen House to the Town House.  
     
    The collections of Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives contain a wealth of documents and records dating from the 12th century to the present day, relating to the rich history and heritage of the City of Aberdeen and the three ancient counties of Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine. A valuable resource for all kinds of research, they range from minutes, registers, accounts, letters and logbooks, to maps, plans and photographs and include:

    • The oldest and most complete collection of burgh records in Scotland, dating back to 1398, which were recognised by UNESCO in 2013 as being of outstanding historical importance to the United Kingdom.

    • Business records including those of the Port of Aberdeen, the Northern Cooperative Society Ltd., and Esslemont and Mackintosh. 
       

    Follow Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives on Facebook for all the latest news about reopening @aberdeencityandaberdeenshirearchives 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: an ‘arms race’ of promises as prime minister set to call election

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Oops. Anthony Albanese’s own department pre-empted its boss on Thursday. Some unfortunate official, pressing the wrong button, posted on X that the government was in “caretaker” mode, although the prime minister had not yet called the election.

    There was a grovelling apology from the department, saying it was trying to find out why the error occurred.

    No matter. The department was only a day early. Albanese goes to government house on Friday for an election on May 3.

    Indeed, most players and observers had expected, before cyclone Alfred, that the campaign, with its “caretaker” period, would be well under way by now.

    Instead, we’ve had this budget week that’s seen an auction of handouts.

    First, the budget announced the tax cuts, which are more than a year away, and will be delivered in two stages, They are, to use Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ description, “modest”.

    Then came Peter Duttlon’s counter hit – a halving of the excise on petrol and diesel, briefed out ahead of his budget reply. The benefit would come more quickly – but would only last a year. This is a recycled, extended version of the Morrison government’s 2022 excise cut. Labor supported the 2022 move, but rejects Dutton’s proposal.

    The budget we nearly didn’t have gave Chalmers the stage to strut his stuff. Budget weeks traditionally belong to treasurers who, among other things, do a walkabout through the ranks of the journalists who are “locked up” and ploughing through the embargoed budget documents. So some old hands were surprised when the PM appeared with a senior staffer to do his own walkabout. Precedents didn’t come to mind.

    Labor sought to wedge the Coalition by pushing through legislation to enshrine the tax cuts. The Coalition voted against them in parliament, then declared if elected, it would repeal them. Dutton has confirmed he won’t be announcing any policy for tax cuts closer to the election.

    For the Liberals, to be seen opposing an income tax cut is unusual and risky. It’s made for campaign slogans. “The only thing they don’t want to cut is people’s taxes,” Albanese declared. “Labor is the party of lower taxes.” Both sides will be watching their polling carefully in coming days to see whether this stand rebounds against the Liberals.

    The opposition believes its excise reduction will hit the mark, especially in the seats it is most targeting – those in the outer suburbs where people drive a lot.

    But Kos Samaras, from the Redbridge political consultancy, predicts people will see this “arms race” of hand outs as providing just band-aids, with the measures likely to cancel each other out.

    Apart from the excise measure the other big initiative in Dutton’s reply was his plan for a gas reservation scheme.

    This is designed to fill what has been an apparent big hole in the opposition’s energy policy. It has its ambitious (many would say unrealistic) nuclear plan for the long term. But if it is arguing it would be able to bring down energy bills any time soon, it needs a here-and-now policy to do so.

    Its answer is to turn to gas. That requires ensuring a reliable and adequate supply for the local market, to drive down the price.

    “Gas sold on the domestic market will be de-coupled from overseas markets to protect Australia from international price shocks,” Dutton said in his Thursday speech. “And this will drive down new wholesale domestic gas prices from over $14 per gigajoule to under 10 per gigajoule.”

    Dutton told the ABC after his address that the price fall could be achieved by the end of this calendar year.

    That estimate sounds like a hostage to fortune. Precision can be dangerous when it comes to energy promises. Who can forget that number Labor put out so confidently before the last election – a $275 fall in household power bills?

    Critics will find all sorts of issues with Dutton’s east coast reservation scheme, including that it would be heavily interventionist and there’s no guarantee it would work. Labor says Dutton is reheating one of its old plans, and that the government has the gas situation under control anyway.

    The opposition says its plan is in line with warnings on gas supply released by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on Thursday.

    The potential effectiveness of Dutton’s gas plan will be highly contested. What is not in dispute is that the partisan divide over the energy transition will be one of the central issues of the campaign.

    This week the prime minister has had a spring in his step. The polls have improved somewhat, and the “vibe” seems to be with him. Responding to a challenge from a couple of podcasters, he playfully put the phrase, “delulu with no solulu” into a speech to describe his opponents. Never mind that middle-aged politicians sound slightly absurd when they try to be hip. Albanese is a confidence player and at the moment his confidence is up.

    The tactical games aren’t just around the tax cuts. Calling the election first thing Friday carpet bombs Dutton’s budget reply.

    And once the election is called, parliament will be prorogued and that will scrap the Friday sitting of estimates committees, denying the opposition an opportunity to quiz officials about the budget and other matters. (On Thursday, the “caretaker” fiasco became public during an estimates hearing, surprising officials from the PM’s department who happened to be appearing at the time.)

    For his part, Dutton understands the odds against him.

    Political scientist Rodney Tiffen, in an analysis of federal campaigns from 1972 to 2022, found no example where an opposition had started the campaign roughly equal in the polls and won, and three where it had lost (1980, 1987, and 2004). “All winning oppositions started the campaign already ahead,” Tiffen writes in a chapter in The Art of Opposition.

    In his budget reply, Dutton delivered one revealing line: “This election is as much about leadership as it’s about policy”.

    Dutton casts himself as the leader who would make the tough decisions. “I will lead with conviction – not walk both sides of the street,” he said.

    “I will be a strong leader and a steady hand – just as John Howard was.”

    Dutton might see Howard as his role model, but it will be a big leap of faith for many voters to see the opposition as a contemporary Howard.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Grattan on Friday: an ‘arms race’ of promises as prime minister set to call election – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-an-arms-race-of-promises-as-prime-minister-set-to-call-election-251257

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ohio Unifi Ramp Workers Vote to Join IAM Union, Seeking Fair Pay and Better Working Conditions

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    In a resounding victory, over 50 ramp workers at Unifi Aviation in Cleveland have voted overwhelmingly to join the IAM, following nearly a year of dedicated organizing efforts to address low wages and poor treatment by management. 

    Ramp workers at Unifi have faced many challenges, including excessive workloads, lack of support, and broken promises from management regarding improvements in their working conditions. Despite the physically demanding nature of their roles, these workers have consistently demonstrated their dedication and hard work without receiving the respect or compensation they deserve.

    “The organizing campaign was built on strong worker solidarity and open conversations,” said IAM Local 1363 Directing Business Representative Tim Verlinden. “We created a space for daily discussions and strategic planning within the internal committee, allowing us to navigate the many challenges we faced during this process. By staying united and committed, these workers were able to push forward and make their voices heard.”

    The ramp agents play a crucial role in airport operations. They are responsible for loading and unloading aircraft, handling baggage, directing planes to gates, and ensuring safety procedures are followed. 

    “This vote is a clear indication that workers are no longer willing to accept less than what they deserve,”  said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “By joining the IAM, they’re choosing to fight for a brighter future, better treatment, and fair compensation.” 

    Recently, approximately 60 Unifi Aviation ground handling workers based in San Jose, Calif., also voted to join the IAM.

    “This vote marks a significant victory for the ramp workers at Unifi Aviation, and we are proud to welcome them into the IAM,” said IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “As their new union siblings, we stand united in this fight, and together we will ensure their voices are heard loud and clear until they obtain their first union contract.”

    Unifi Aviation operates in approximately 180 airports across the United States performing ground handling and other services for airlines.

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Liquidia Announces Poster Presentations at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2025 International Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Data from the ASCENT study of LIQ861 (YUTREPIA™) in PH-ILD patients highlights safety, tolerability, exploratory changes in six-minute walk distance, cardiac effort and quality of life

    – Case study highlights the long-term safety and tolerability of LIQ861 (YUTREPIA) in a PAH patient transitioning from parenteral treprostinil in INSPIRE study

    MORRISVILLE, N.C., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Liquidia Corporation (NASDAQ: LQDA), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for patients with rare cardiopulmonary disease, today announced the company will present three posters at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2025 International Conference, taking place May 18-21, 2025, in San Francisco. Two posters will highlight new data from the company’s open-label ASCENT study of LIQ861 (YUTREPIA) in PH-ILD patients with a focus on safety, tolerability, exploratory changes in 6-minute walk distance, quality of life, and changes in cardiac effort. A third poster is a case study of a patient with PAH participating in the open-label extension study (INSPIRE).

    Poster Discussion Session: Poster Board #1404
    Date and time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. PT
    Presenting Author: Rajan Saggar, MD
    Abstract: An ASCENT to Week 8: Initial Safety and Exploratory Efficacy Data on LIQ861 Dry Powder Inhaled Treprostinil in PH-ILD Patients

    Poster Discussion Session: Poster Board #1401
    Date and time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. PT
    Presenting Author: Daniel Lachant, MD
    Abstract: Changes in Cardiac Effort in Pulmonary Hypertension-Interstitial Lung Disease: Insights From the ASCENT Trial

    Poster Discussion Session: Poster Board #1464
    Date and time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. PT
    Presenting Author: Rodolfo Estrada, MD
    Abstract: Transitioning From Parenteral Treprostinil to LIQ861 in a Patient With PAH

    Following the presentations, each poster will be available on the Publications page of Liquidia’s website at https://liquidia.com/publications.

    About YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) Inhalation Powder 
    YUTREPIA is an investigational, inhaled dry-powder formulation of treprostinil delivered through a convenient, low-effort, palm-sized device. In August 2024, the FDA issued tentative approval of YUTREPIA for the PAH and PH-ILD indications. YUTREPIA was designed using Liquidia’s PRINT® technology, which enables the development of drug particles that are precise and uniform in size, shape and composition, and that are engineered for enhanced deposition in the lung following oral inhalation. Liquidia has completed INSPIRE, or Investigation of the Safety and Pharmacology of Dry Powder Inhalation of Treprostinil, an open-label, multi-center phase 3 clinical study of YUTREPIA in patients diagnosed with PAH who are naïve to inhaled treprostinil or who are transitioning from Tyvaso® (nebulized treprostinil). YUTREPIA is currently being studied in the ASCENT trial, an Open-Label Prospective Multicenter Study to Evaluate Safety and Tolerability of Dry Powder Inhaled Treprostinil in Pulmonary Hypertension, with the objective of informing YUTREPIA’s dosing and tolerability profile in patients with PH-ILD. YUTREPIA was previously referred to as LIQ861 in investigational studies.

    About Liquidia Corporation
    Liquidia Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for patients with rare cardiopulmonary disease. The company’s current focus spans the development and commercialization of products in pulmonary hypertension and other applications of its proprietary PRINT® Technology. PRINT enabled the creation of Liquidia’s lead candidate, YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) inhalation powder, an investigational drug for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). The company is also developing L606, an investigational sustained-release formulation of treprostinil administered twice-daily with a next-generation nebulizer, and currently markets generic Treprostinil Injection for the treatment of PAH. To learn more about Liquidia, please visit www.liquidia.com.

    Contact Information

    Investors:
    Jason Adair
    Chief Business Officer
    919.328.4350
    jason.adair@liquidia.com

    Media:
    Patrick Wallace
    Director, Corporate Communications
    919.328.4383
    patrick.wallace@liquidia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Launches Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force

    Source: US State of California

    Task Force Invites Public Input Targeting Red Tape that Hinders Free Market Competition

    Today, the Justice Department launches an Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force to advocate for the elimination of anticompetitive state and federal laws and regulations that undermine free market competition and harm consumers, workers, and businesses. The Antitrust Division has a long history of advocacy against laws and regulations that create unnecessary barriers to competition.  The Task Force will surge resources to these efforts and invite public comments to support the Administration’s mission to unwind laws and regulations that hinder business dynamism and make markets less competitive.    

    “Realizing President Trump’s economic Golden Age will require unwinding burdensome regulations that stifle free market competition. This Antitrust Division will stand against harmful barriers to competition whether imposed by public regulators or private monopolists,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We look forward to working with the public and with other federal agencies to identify and eliminate anticompetitive laws and regulations.”

    On Jan. 31, President Trump signed Executive Order 14192 declaring “the policy of the executive branch” to be that federal agencies should “alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens placed on the American people.” Consistent with this policy, on Feb. 19, President Trump signed Executive Order 14219 directing agencies to “initiate a process to review all regulations” and identify regulations that, among other things, “impose undue burdens on small businesses and impede private enterprise and entrepreneurship.” Consistent with longstanding practice, the Antitrust Division will support federal agencies’ deregulatory initiatives by sharing its market expertise on regulations that pose the greatest barriers to economic growth.

    Regulatory capture is a well-studied phenomenon in which agencies become “captured” by special interests and big businesses, rather than serving the interests of the American people. But when regulations serve the few and impose undue burdens on small businesses, private enterprise, and entrepreneurs, they also harm competition and ultimately hurt American consumers, workers, and businesses. For example, regulations can increase compliance costs, preventing businesses from competing on a level playing field with powerful corporations. Regulations can also discourage or even intentionally prohibit small businesses and new products from entering markets and lowering prices for American families. In contrast, eliminating unnecessary anticompetitive regulations makes it easier for businesses to compete. More competition empowers the American people — not government regulators — to drive economic progress and innovation. When every American has a fair opportunity to enjoy the benefits of competitive free markets, every American has an opportunity to realize the American dream.

    By identifying and working with state and federal agencies to revise or eliminate these laws and regulations, the Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force will contribute to making the American dream a reality. As a first step, the Antitrust Division will initiate a public inquiry to identify unnecessary laws and regulations that raise the highest barriers to competition. In particular, the Division will seek information from the public about laws and regulations that make it more difficult for businesses to compete effectively, especially in markets that have the greatest impact on American households, including:

    • Housing: Americans spend more than one-third of their monthly income on housing, and the cost of owning or renting a home continues to rise. Laws and regulations in housing markets can contribute to these problems by making it more difficult for companies to build and ordinary Americans to rent or buy.
    • Transportation: Laws and regulations in areas like airlines, rail, and ocean shipping can grant antitrust immunities, outright monopolies, or safe harbors for conduct that undermines competition. As a result, Americans pay more for travel, fuel, and a variety of other products.
    • Food and Agriculture: By the end of the Biden-Harris Administration, grocery prices were 27% higher than at the end of the first Trump Administration. Eliminating unnecessary anticompetitive regulations will help farmers, growers, and ranchers increase the amount of food they produce and unlock lower prices for American consumers.
    • Healthcare: Laws and regulations in healthcare markets too often discourage doctors and hospitals from providing low-cost, high-quality healthcare and instead encourage overbilling and consolidation. These kinds of unnecessary anticompetitive regulations put affordable healthcare out of reach for millions of American families.
    • Energy: Reliable and affordable energy is essential to modern American life — whether in homes, businesses, manufacturing plants, schools, hospitals, sporting events, or data centers. Laws and regulations can undermine reliability and affordability by protecting incumbent electricity providers from competition or disruptive innovation.

    The public will have 60 days to submit comments at Regulations.gov, no later than May 26. Once submitted, comments will be posted to Regulations.gov. All market participants are invited to provide comments in response to this inquiry, including consumers, consumer advocates, small businesses, employers, trade groups, industry analysts, and other entities that are impacted by anticompetitive state or federal laws and regulations.

    In addition to reviewing responses from the public, the Task Force will bring together attorneys, economists, and other staff from across the Division, together with interagency partners, to identify state and federal laws and regulations that unnecessarily harm competition. The Antitrust Division will then take appropriate action, including helping agencies revise or eliminate these regulations.

    The Task Force will also consider other ways to advocate for the removal of anticompetitive laws and regulations. The Division routinely files amicus briefs and statements of interests in private litigation, and it will continue to do so to promote competition and oppose anticompetitive laws and regulations. The Division also provides comments on proposed legislation in the states on the request of state legislators. These efforts will continue with an eye toward protecting competition and interstate commerce in light of dormant Commerce Clause principles.

    The Justice Department has a long history of serving as the Executive Branch’s chief competition advocate by working with agencies to identify and eliminate unnecessary regulations. In 2018, the Justice Department released a report on how regulations can harm competition. Following this report, the Justice Department submitted dozens of comments to federal agencies supporting efforts to eliminate unnecessary regulations and increase competition. For example, the Justice Department, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, submitted a comment opposing  regulations that would have protected incumbent electricity transmission companies from much-needed competition in energy markets across the country. The Justice Department filed comments aimed at making it easier for individuals and small businesses to navigate the federal government bureaucracy. The Justice Department also provided technical assistance and trainings to federal agencies to help them analyze how new and existing regulations might affect competition, or whether competition may be a better alternative to regulation altogether.

    The Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force will continue these efforts, supporting ongoing efforts across the Trump Administration to unleash competition by eliminating unnecessary, burdensome, and wasteful government regulations. For more information on the Task Force, including contact information, see the Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force page on the Division’s website.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: AnticompetitiveRegulations@usdoj.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Launches Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Task Force Invites Public Input Targeting Red Tape that Hinders Free Market Competition

    Today, the Justice Department launches an Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force to advocate for the elimination of anticompetitive state and federal laws and regulations that undermine free market competition and harm consumers, workers, and businesses. The Antitrust Division has a long history of advocacy against laws and regulations that create unnecessary barriers to competition.  The Task Force will surge resources to these efforts and invite public comments to support the Administration’s mission to unwind laws and regulations that hinder business dynamism and make markets less competitive.    

    “Realizing President Trump’s economic Golden Age will require unwinding burdensome regulations that stifle free market competition. This Antitrust Division will stand against harmful barriers to competition whether imposed by public regulators or private monopolists,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We look forward to working with the public and with other federal agencies to identify and eliminate anticompetitive laws and regulations.”

    On Jan. 31, President Trump signed Executive Order 14192 declaring “the policy of the executive branch” to be that federal agencies should “alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens placed on the American people.” Consistent with this policy, on Feb. 19, President Trump signed Executive Order 14219 directing agencies to “initiate a process to review all regulations” and identify regulations that, among other things, “impose undue burdens on small businesses and impede private enterprise and entrepreneurship.” Consistent with longstanding practice, the Antitrust Division will support federal agencies’ deregulatory initiatives by sharing its market expertise on regulations that pose the greatest barriers to economic growth.

    Regulatory capture is a well-studied phenomenon in which agencies become “captured” by special interests and big businesses, rather than serving the interests of the American people. But when regulations serve the few and impose undue burdens on small businesses, private enterprise, and entrepreneurs, they also harm competition and ultimately hurt American consumers, workers, and businesses. For example, regulations can increase compliance costs, preventing businesses from competing on a level playing field with powerful corporations. Regulations can also discourage or even intentionally prohibit small businesses and new products from entering markets and lowering prices for American families. In contrast, eliminating unnecessary anticompetitive regulations makes it easier for businesses to compete. More competition empowers the American people — not government regulators — to drive economic progress and innovation. When every American has a fair opportunity to enjoy the benefits of competitive free markets, every American has an opportunity to realize the American dream.

    By identifying and working with state and federal agencies to revise or eliminate these laws and regulations, the Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force will contribute to making the American dream a reality. As a first step, the Antitrust Division will initiate a public inquiry to identify unnecessary laws and regulations that raise the highest barriers to competition. In particular, the Division will seek information from the public about laws and regulations that make it more difficult for businesses to compete effectively, especially in markets that have the greatest impact on American households, including:

    • Housing: Americans spend more than one-third of their monthly income on housing, and the cost of owning or renting a home continues to rise. Laws and regulations in housing markets can contribute to these problems by making it more difficult for companies to build and ordinary Americans to rent or buy.
    • Transportation: Laws and regulations in areas like airlines, rail, and ocean shipping can grant antitrust immunities, outright monopolies, or safe harbors for conduct that undermines competition. As a result, Americans pay more for travel, fuel, and a variety of other products.
    • Food and Agriculture: By the end of the Biden-Harris Administration, grocery prices were 27% higher than at the end of the first Trump Administration. Eliminating unnecessary anticompetitive regulations will help farmers, growers, and ranchers increase the amount of food they produce and unlock lower prices for American consumers.
    • Healthcare: Laws and regulations in healthcare markets too often discourage doctors and hospitals from providing low-cost, high-quality healthcare and instead encourage overbilling and consolidation. These kinds of unnecessary anticompetitive regulations put affordable healthcare out of reach for millions of American families.
    • Energy: Reliable and affordable energy is essential to modern American life — whether in homes, businesses, manufacturing plants, schools, hospitals, sporting events, or data centers. Laws and regulations can undermine reliability and affordability by protecting incumbent electricity providers from competition or disruptive innovation.

    The public will have 60 days to submit comments at Regulations.gov, no later than May 26. Once submitted, comments will be posted to Regulations.gov. All market participants are invited to provide comments in response to this inquiry, including consumers, consumer advocates, small businesses, employers, trade groups, industry analysts, and other entities that are impacted by anticompetitive state or federal laws and regulations.

    In addition to reviewing responses from the public, the Task Force will bring together attorneys, economists, and other staff from across the Division, together with interagency partners, to identify state and federal laws and regulations that unnecessarily harm competition. The Antitrust Division will then take appropriate action, including helping agencies revise or eliminate these regulations.

    The Task Force will also consider other ways to advocate for the removal of anticompetitive laws and regulations. The Division routinely files amicus briefs and statements of interests in private litigation, and it will continue to do so to promote competition and oppose anticompetitive laws and regulations. The Division also provides comments on proposed legislation in the states on the request of state legislators. These efforts will continue with an eye toward protecting competition and interstate commerce in light of dormant Commerce Clause principles.

    The Justice Department has a long history of serving as the Executive Branch’s chief competition advocate by working with agencies to identify and eliminate unnecessary regulations. In 2018, the Justice Department released a report on how regulations can harm competition. Following this report, the Justice Department submitted dozens of comments to federal agencies supporting efforts to eliminate unnecessary regulations and increase competition. For example, the Justice Department, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, submitted a comment opposing  regulations that would have protected incumbent electricity transmission companies from much-needed competition in energy markets across the country. The Justice Department filed comments aimed at making it easier for individuals and small businesses to navigate the federal government bureaucracy. The Justice Department also provided technical assistance and trainings to federal agencies to help them analyze how new and existing regulations might affect competition, or whether competition may be a better alternative to regulation altogether.

    The Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force will continue these efforts, supporting ongoing efforts across the Trump Administration to unleash competition by eliminating unnecessary, burdensome, and wasteful government regulations. For more information on the Task Force, including contact information, see the Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force page on the Division’s website.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: AnticompetitiveRegulations@usdoj.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: an ‘arms race’ of promises as prime minister set to call election on Friday

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Oops. Anthony Albanese’s own department pre-empted its boss on Thursday. Some unfortunate official, pressing the wrong button, posted on X that the government was in “caretaker” mode, although the prime minister had not yet called the election.

    There was a grovelling apology from the department, saying it was trying to find out why the error occurred.

    No matter. The department was only a day early. Albanese goes to government house on Friday for an election on May 3.

    Indeed, most players and observers had expected, before cyclone Alfred, that the campaign, with its “caretaker” period, would be well under way by now.

    Instead, we’ve had this budget week that’s seen an auction of handouts.

    First, the budget announced the tax cuts, which are more than a year away, and will be delivered in two stages, They are, to use Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ description, “modest”.

    Then came Peter Duttlon’s counter hit – a halving of the excise on petrol and diesel, briefed out ahead of his budget reply. The benefit would come more quickly – but would only last a year. This is a recycled, extended version of the Morrison government’s 2022 excise cut. Labor supported the 2022 move, but rejects Dutton’s proposal.

    The budget we nearly didn’t have gave Chalmers the stage to strut his stuff. Budget weeks traditionally belong to treasurers who, among other things, do a walkabout through the ranks of the journalists who are “locked up” and ploughing through the embargoed budget documents. So some old hands were surprised when the PM appeared with a senior staffer to do his own walkabout. Precedents didn’t come to mind.

    Labor sought to wedge the Coalition by pushing through legislation to enshrine the tax cuts. The Coalition voted against them in parliament, then declared if elected, it would repeal them. Dutton has confirmed he won’t be announcing any policy for tax cuts closer to the election.

    For the Liberals, to be seen opposing an income tax cut is unusual and risky. It’s made for campaign slogans. “The only thing they don’t want to cut is people’s taxes,” Albanese declared. “Labor is the party of lower taxes.” Both sides will be watching their polling carefully in coming days to see whether this stand rebounds against the Liberals.

    The opposition believes its excise reduction will hit the mark, especially in the seats it is most targeting – those in the outer suburbs where people drive a lot.

    But Kos Samaras, from the Redbridge political consultancy, predicts people will see this “arms race” of hand outs as providing just band-aids, with the measures likely to cancel each other out.

    Apart from the excise measure the other big initiative in Dutton’s reply was his plan for a gas reservation scheme.

    This is designed to fill what has been an apparent big hole in the opposition’s energy policy. It has its ambitious (many would say unrealistic) nuclear plan for the long term. But if it is arguing it would be able to bring down energy bills any time soon, it needs a here-and-now policy to do so.

    Its answer is to turn to gas. That requires ensuring a reliable and adequate supply for the local market, to drive down the price.

    “Gas sold on the domestic market will be de-coupled from overseas markets to protect Australia from international price shocks,” Dutton said in his Thursday speech. “And this will drive down new wholesale domestic gas prices from over $14 per gigajoule to under 10 per gigajoule.”

    Dutton told the ABC after his address that the price fall could be achieved by the end of this calendar year.

    That estimate sounds like a hostage to fortune. Precision can be dangerous when it comes to energy promises. Who can forget that number Labor put out so confidently before the last election – a $275 fall in household power bills?

    Critics will find all sorts of issues with Dutton’s east coast reservation scheme, including that it would be heavily interventionist and there’s no guarantee it would work. Labor says Dutton is reheating one of its old plans, and that the government has the gas situation under control anyway.

    The opposition says its plan is in line with warnings on gas supply released by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on Thursday.

    The potential effectiveness of Dutton’s gas plan will be highly contested. What is not in dispute is that the partisan divide over the energy transition will be one of the central issues of the campaign.

    This week the prime minister has had a spring in his step. The polls have improved somewhat, and the “vibe” seems to be with him. Responding to a challenge from a couple of podcasters, he playfully put the phrase, “delulu with no solulu” into a speech to describe his opponents. Never mind that middle-aged politicians sound slightly absurd when they try to be hip. Albanese is a confidence player and at the moment his confidence is up.

    The tactical games aren’t just around the tax cuts. Calling the election first thing Friday carpet bombs Dutton’s budget reply.

    And once the election is called, parliament will be prorogued and that will scrap the Friday sitting of estimates committees, denying the opposition an opportunity to quiz officials about the budget and other matters. (On Thursday, the “caretaker” fiasco became public during an estimates hearing, surprising officials from the PM’s department who happening to be appearing at the time.)

    For his part, Dutton understands the odds against him.

    Political scientist Rodney Tiffen, in an analysis of federal campaigns from 1972 to 2022, found no example where an opposition had started the campaign roughly equal in the polls and won, and three where it had lost (1980, 1987, and 2004). “All winning oppositions started the campaign already ahead,” Tiffen writes in a chapter in The Art of Opposition.

    In his budget reply, Dutton delivered one revealing line: “This election is as much about leadership as it’s about policy”.

    Dutton casts himself as the leader who would take the tough decisions. “I will lead with conviction – not walk both sides of the street,” he said.

    “I will be a strong leader and a steady hand – just as John Howard was.”

    Dutton might see Howard as his role model, but it will be a big leap of faith for many voters to see the opposition as a contemporary Howard.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Grattan on Friday: an ‘arms race’ of promises as prime minister set to call election on Friday – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-an-arms-race-of-promises-as-prime-minister-set-to-call-election-on-friday-251257

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Currency Exchange International, Corp. Announces Referral Agreement with Agility Forex

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Exchange Bank of Canada (“EBC” or the “Bank”) is to refer selected employees and their payment customers in Canada to Agility Forex;

    TORONTO, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Currency Exchange International, Corp. (“CXI” or the “Company”) (TSX: CXI) (OTC: CURN), today announced a referral agreement has been entered into with Agility Forex.

    Upon Agility Forex hiring a selected employee, EBC will be referring its corporate payment customers in Canada associated with the employee to Agility Forex for their acceptance. The referral of EBC’s customers and employees to Agility Forex, a B.C. based foreign payments exchange service provider, will mutually benefit all parties and stakeholders.

    “We are optimistic that our referral agreement for select EBC employees and their corporate payment clients is the best outcome for our customers, employees and EBC stakeholders as well as CXI shareholders,” said Randolph Pinna, CEO of CXI and EBC.

    “Agility is pleased to implement this Referral Agreement and welcomes the chance to build new relationships. We are excited to embark on this opportunity to grow and evolve our business with the new selected sales members joining our team,” said Andrew McGuire, CEO of Agility Forex.

    CXI’s long-term outlook remains positive due to the Company’s focus on its growing businesses in the U.S. in conjunction with expected cost savings and anticipated additional new product growth in the U.S. market. The Company will provide further updates as the Canadian business operations are being discontinued as originally announced on February 18, 2025. During this process, EBC is committed to ensuring minimal disruption to all its stakeholders. 

    CXI is grateful to all of EBC’s team members for their contributions over the years and is committed to providing support and guidance to all employees during this transition to ensure a smooth and respectful process.  

    INFOR Financial Inc. acted as financial advisor to CXI in connection with the referral agreement with Agility Forex.

    About Currency Exchange International, Corp.

    Currency Exchange International is in the business of providing comprehensive foreign exchange technology and processing services for banks, credit unions, businesses, and consumers in the United States and select clients globally. Primary products and services include the exchange of foreign currencies, wire transfer payments, Global EFTs, and foreign cheque clearing. Wholesale customers are served through its proprietary FX software applications delivered on its web-based interface, www.cxifx.com (“CXIFX”), its related APIs with core banking platforms, and through personal relationship managers. Consumers are served through Company-owned retail branches, agent retail branches, and its e-commerce platform, order.ceifx.com.

    The Group’s wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary, Exchange Bank of Canada, based in Toronto, Canada, is currently in the process of discontinuing its operations in Canada.

    About Agility Forex

    Agility Forex is a Vancouver-based fintech company that offers small-to-medium size enterprises and individuals currency pricing normally reserved for large corporations. Their proprietary technology allows them to bypass the banks to access the interbank market and offer transparent pricing with no fees or commissions, 24/7 via their easy-to-use platform. C1 Ventures, a venture capital corporation wholly owned by Central 1, a Canadian financial institution with $11.6 billion in assets, owns 28 percent of Agility Forex.

    Contact Information

    For further information please contact:
    Bill Mitoulas
    Investor Relations
    (416) 479-9547
    Email: bill.mitoulas@cxifx.com
    Website: www.cxifx.com

    CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

    This press release includes forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This forward-looking information includes, or may be based upon, estimates, forecasts, and statements as to management’s expectations with respect to, among other things, the merits of a referral agreement for customers and selected employees, the management of employee and customer transitions, the voluntary cessation of operations and discontinuance of Exchange Bank of Canada (EBC), financial performance in fiscal 2025 and 2026, and the associated costs and outcomes of the cessation and discontinuance period in general. Forward-looking statements are identified by the use of terms and phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “preliminary,” “project,” “will,” “would,” and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. 

    Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date such information is provided and on information available to management at such time. Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in such forward-looking information. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking information due to a number of factors including, without limitation, an inability to implement the referral agreement for customers and selected employees on a basis which is beneficial to stakeholders, the inability of the Company to complete the cessation of EBC and discontinuance in accordance with applicable regulatory and legal requirements on a basis which is cost effective and protects the goodwill of the Company, an inability to establish direct correspondent banking relationships to support its U.S. payments business on terms which are economic or at all, the impact of delays or challenges in obtaining regulatory approvals, an inability to manage one-time wind-down costs and severance obligations on cost-effective basis, potential disruptions to operations during the transition period. the risk of reduced liquidity during the transition periods and, generally, the potential for unforeseen liabilities arising during or after the cessation of operations and discontinuance of EBC. 

    Additional risks include the ability of the Company to comply with regulatory requirements in general, the competitive nature of the foreign exchange industry, the impact of geo political changes, and trade wars on factors relevant to the Company’s business, currency exchange risks, the need for the Company to manage its planned growth, the effects of product development and the need for continued technological change, protection of the Company’s proprietary rights, the effect of government regulation and compliance on the Company and the industry in which it operates, network security risks, the ability of the Company to maintain properly working systems, theft and risk of physical harm to personnel, reliance on key management personnel, unexpected losses or challenges associated with customer attrition during the discontinuance, global economic deterioration negatively impacting tourism, volatile securities markets impacting security pricing in a manner unrelated to operating performance and impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital, as well as the factors identified throughout this press release and in the section entitled “Financial Risk Factors” of the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the twelve months ended October 31, 2024. 

    The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents management’s expectations as of the date hereof (or as of the date such information is otherwise stated to be presented) and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws. 

    The Toronto Stock Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. No stock exchange, securities commission, or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this press release. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: UK VC funding activity remains mixed in early 2025 but signals strategic shift, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    UK VC funding activity remains mixed in early 2025 but signals strategic shift, says GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    The UK venture capital (VC) funding landscape in early 2025 presents a mixed yet encouraging scenario. While VC deal volume has seen a slight decline, the increase in deal value signifies a robust interest in quality startups. In the first two months of 2025, the UK witnessed a decline of approximately 13% in VC deal volume compared to the same period in the previous year. Conversely, the total VC funding value experienced a remarkable increase, with growth rate exceeding 50% year-on-year to $2.4 billion, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “This trend is in line with the global funding landscape and also aligns with a broader pattern, where many key markets, including the US, have also seen a decline in VC deal volume but massive growth in funding value.

    “This surge in funding value in the UK is indicative of a shift towards more substantial investments in fewer, high-potential startups, reflecting a more selective approach by investors. The trend indicates that investors are becoming more selective, focusing their resources on businesses with strong growth prospects and innovative solutions.”

    Some of the notable VC funding deals announced in the UK during January-February 2025 include $411 million raised by Verdiva Bio, Rapyd’s announcement to raise $300 million, and $180 million secured by Synthesia, among others.

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database further reveals that the UK has maintained a significant share of global VC funding activity, accounting for more than 6% of the total number of VC deals announced worldwide during January-February 2025. Meanwhile, its share of the total funding value also stood at around 6% during the review period.

    Note: Historic data may change in case some deals get added to previous months because of a delay in disclosure of information in the public domain

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Statement: WTO Trade Policy Review of Cambodia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK Statement: WTO Trade Policy Review of Cambodia

    UK Statement for the 3rd Trade Policy Review of Cambodia. Delivered on 26th & 28th March 2025.

    Chair, let me warmly welcome the delegation, led by Minister of Commerce Mrs Cham Nimul, to their 3rd Trade Policy Review. Let me also express my gratitude to the government of Cambodia and to the WTO Secretariat for their Reports, to you Chair and to Ambassador James Baxter as discussant, for facilitating this Review with your insightful comments.

    Bilateral Relationship

    1. The UK and Cambodia enjoy long-standing and positive relations, with our diplomatic relationship dating back to 1953. In recent decades, the UK has been a considerable investor into Cambodia’s real estate and manufacturing industries, while supporting new approaches to developing Cambodia’s infrastructure to increase confidence in its investment potential is at the heart of our recent engagement. The UK’s development finance institution, British International Investment, has also focussed on renewable energy and climate financing in Cambodia.

    2. 2024 was a particularly positive year for the UK-Cambodia trade and investment partnership. In June we welcomed the first official Cambodian trade and investment mission to the UK, including Senior Minister for Trade and Investment Sok Siphana meeting the UK-ASEAN Business Council. In November, the Cambodia-UK business roundtable was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chantol, and the second annual UK-Cambodia Joint Trade and Investment Forum took place.

    3. The Joint Forum’s theme was the ‘Road to 2030’ and pathways to mutual growth, drawing on both parties’ experience and expertise. We agreed focus areas, including tax predictability, double taxation, and developing domestic capital markets. We look forward to the third meeting of the Forum later this year.

    4. I mentioned infrastructure investment. On this we hope a UK Export Finance Memorandum of Understanding to promote infrastructure development will help unlock up to £2bn in finance. We are also pleased the UK’s Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), which coordinates investments for sustainable economic development and poverty reduction, has several projects in Cambodia, and a strategic partnership with the Cambodian Credit Guarantee Corporation.

    UK-Cambodia Development Relationship

    1. The UK has also aimed to be a reliable partner to Cambodia through wider development programmes, including UK bilateral  ODA  funding, to support Cambodia’s economic development, enhance trade and investment, and cooperate in areas offering longer-term resilience and growth, including encouraging green and inclusive growth.

    2. Our trade for development tools include ensuring Cambodian exporters can take advantage of comprehensive preferences under the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). The UK also partners the Cambodian Ministry of Economy on the development of a Green Special Economic Zone and supports for agricultural SMEs.

    3. With all these initiatives in mind, we were also pleased to see confirmation last year of the UN recommendation for Cambodia to graduate from LDC status in 2029.

    Report Analysis

    The Trade Policy Review illustrates Cambodia’s significant economic policy progress during the reporting period, including the role of trade in Cambodia achieving GDP growth as high as 6% in 2024, and annual increases in the value of merchandise exports. This is impressive progress, and among other achievements is testament to Cambodia’s ability to respond to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    WTO and Regional Engagement

    1. As well as national achievements, we welcome Cambodia’s active international engagement. This includes regional trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and wider ASEAN economic initiatives. Here at the WTO we welcome Cambodia’s constructive and thoughtful approaches in a wide range of WTO business. We pay tribute to the Cambodia Permanent Representative, Ambassador Suon Prasith, and his team for their efforts in this regard.

    2. Recent examples of this include Cambodia’s active voice as a LDC focal point on dispute settlement reform. As co-convenor of work on accessibility the UK particularly welcomed Cambodia’s role in this regard. We have also appreciated Cambodia’s informed participation as Member of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Board, including drawing insights from its own national use of EIF funding in sectors such as rice and silk.

    3. On WTO agreements, we welcomed Cambodia’s acceptance of the 2022 Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in 2024, and are especially grateful for Cambodia’s active role in discussions to achieve incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement soon.

    4. In other areas, we encourage Cambodia to consider joining the Agreement on E-commerce and the Services Domestic Regulation initiative, both of which aim to break down barriers to cross-border trade in services and facilitate digital trade, which we believe would have significant benefits for Cambodia’s economic development.

    5. We are very interested to hear Cambodian views and any remaining concerns on these agreements, and look forward to continuing to work together in these and other areas. This also includes ongoing work on the additional fisheries subsidies agreement relating to overcapacity and overfishing where Cambodia’s continued insights and support would be welcome.

    6. Taking account of feedback from UK business, we also encourage Cambodia to increase momentum to achieving greater transparency in their customs valuation processes and regulations, including clearer processes for foreign business licensing, taxation, and land ownership.

    7. We also encourage Cambodia to accelerate efforts to establish stronger intellectual property protections, including enforcement of trademarks, copyrights and patent protections; and to pursue clear policies to strengthen regulatory frameworks in areas such as sustainable waste management, green investments, and emissions standards for automotive and construction industries.

    8. We also hope that Cambodia will continue to upskill their domestic workforce and implement stronger labour protections to meet increased economic demands, including after LDC graduation.

    9. Finally, Cambodia has made important efforts to advance women’s economic empowerment and strengthen gender equality, notably through its credit guarantee schemes and national strategy. On behalf of Ambassador Simon Manley, as co-chair of the Working Group on Trade and Gender, who due to other commitments could not be here in person today, we would also welcome Cambodia sharing its experiences at a forthcoming session of the Group.

    In closing, Chair, let me thank Cambodia for their report, for our wide cooperation bilaterally and here at the WTO. I again thank the delegation for its hard work and look forward to a productive Trade Policy Review.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Less Than One Week Left to Apply for Federal Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Less Than One Week Left to Apply for Federal Assistance

    Less Than One Week Left to Apply for Federal Assistance

    LOS ANGELES – Less than one week remains for homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses impacted by the January wildfires in Los Angeles County to apply for federal disaster assistance

    Monday, March 31, is the deadline to apply for both FEMA disaster assistance and a U

    S

    Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan

     Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance: Online at DisasterAssistance

    gov (fastest option)

    On the FEMA App (available at the Apple App Store or Google Play)

    On the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, give FEMA your number for that service

    Assistance is available in multiple languages

    Lines are open Sunday–Saturday, from 4 a

    m

    – 10 p

    m

    Pacific Time

    Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

    To locate a DRC near you, visit the DRC Locator

    For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance

    Apply for a SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loan:Online at sba

    gov/disaster

    At SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955

    People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability may dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services

    By emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba

    gov, where you can get information or request a loan application

    At a Disaster Recovery Center or Business Recovery Center, where you can submit a completed application, or SBA representatives can help you apply

    To find a BRC near you, go to Appointment

    sba

    gov

    Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending

    sba

    gov or other locally announced locations

    Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account

    For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready

    gov, on Instagram @Ready

    gov or on the Ready Facebook page

    California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process

    Visit CA

    gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance

    alberto

    pillot
    Wed, 03/26/2025 – 22:38

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assistance continues to flow to families and businesses as federal aid for LA fires tops $2 billion

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 26, 2025

    What you need to know: Financial assistance for Los Angeles fire recovery has now surpassed $2 billion, survivors may apply until March 31st, 2025.

    LOS ANGELES – Building upon California’s ongoing support for disaster survivors and small businesses, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that aid from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has now exceeded $2 billion.

    “This federal disaster aid brings much-needed relief for impacted homeowners, renters, businesses grappling with loss and damage. California is grateful to President Trump and our federal partners for making this recovery a priority.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    This financial assistance serves as a vital lifeline for impacted communities and has been rapidly distributed in just over two months since the Los Angeles County wildfires were declared a major disaster by then President Joseph R. Biden.

    Through that disaster declaration, SBA makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to impacted residents and businesses in the impacted regions. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent, or minimize future disaster damage. 

    Disaster assistance by the numbers:

    Federal assistance to eligible homeowners, renters, and businesses, in the form of FEMA grants and low-interest SBA Disaster Loans, has topped $2 billion. That includes: 

    • $200 million in FEMA assistance.

    • $2 billion in home and business loan offers from the SBA, the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, renters, businesses, and certain nonprofits. 

    To date more than 31,636 households have been approved for FEMA funds, including:

    • $24,631,795 in housing assistance for short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.

    • $76,690,832 in other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental, and lost personal possessions.

    • $101,322,628 in individual housing program support.

    • 30,563 visits at the two Disaster Recovery Centers that remain open at UCLA Research Park and Altadena Recovery Center.

    The deadline to apply for both FEMA and SBA disaster assistance is March 31, 2025.

    How to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance

    • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

    • On the FEMA App.

    • By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, give FEMA your number for that service. Assistance is available in multiple languages. Lines are open Sunday–Saturday, from 4 a.m.- 10 p.m. Pacific Time.

    • At a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To locate a DRC near you, visit the DRC Locator.

    For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance

    Apply for SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loans

    • Online at sba.gov/disaster.

    • By calling SBA’s Customer Service Center hotline at 800-659-2955. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability may dial 711 to access relay services.

    • By emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

    • At a Disaster Recovery Center or Business Recovery Center, where you can submit a completed application or SBA representatives can help you apply. To find a BRC near you, go to Appointment.sba.gov.

    • Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov or other locally announced locations.

    The application period for both Small Business Administration aid and individual assistance remains open until March 31 and impacted residents are encouraged to apply today. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Mar 25, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of King City Police Department Sergeant Ryan Kenedy: “Jennifer and I mourn alongside the King City community over the sudden passing of Sergeant Kenedy. Our hearts are with his…

    Mar 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: Since Governor Newsom launched the joint San Bernardino operation in October 2024, the efforts have led to 858 arrests and 66 recovered stolen vehicles. Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the ongoing joint law…

    Mar 24, 2025

    News What you need to know: The Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force released a list of 25 key deliverables to build on the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Californians from increasing threats posed by catastrophic wildfire and a changing climate….

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ‘Cusp of New Era’ — Jitterbit Study Shows Growing Appetite for AI, Automation to Solve ‘Data Divide,’ Resource Constraints

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALAMEDA, Calif., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jitterbit, a global leader in accelerating business transformation for enterprise systems, today unveiled the findings of The 2025 Automation Benchmark Report: Insights from IT Leaders on Enterprise Automation & the Future of AI-Driven Businesses. The survey, which gathered insights from 1,000 IT decision-makers in the U.S. and U.K., reveals the growing appetite for using AI to implement enterprise automation, but highlights lack of resources and security concerns as challenges to overcome.

    “The path to success is clear: businesses must break down data silos and automate workflows to thrive in the age of AI,” said Jitterbit President and CEO Bill Conner. “While many organizations still struggle to find the resources across IT, IS, and line-of-business teams to bridge this ‘data divide,’ the opportunity for those who can is immense. We’re on the cusp of a new era of efficiency and innovation, driven by true end-to-end AI automation.”

    The study, conducted by Censuswide Research, reveals that IT and line-of-business teams are increasingly aligned in their efforts to close the data gap and drive greater collaboration to alleviate IT bottlenecks and offload growing demands on IT teams. And while enterprises are racing to leverage AI-driven automation and application development, resources, security concerns and integration hurdles remain obstacles. Key findings include:

    A Growing ‘Data Divide’

    • 67% of enterprises today deploy over 500 applications, creating significant data silos.
    • 70% of resource demand for enterprise automation falls to IT teams.
    • 99% of IT leaders acknowledge the need for seamless integration and automation, yet 71% still lack a unified platform to achieve it.

    Increasing Importance of Self-Sufficiency for Line-of-Business Leaders

    • 97% of IT leaders recognize the importance of empowering non-technical users to build, deploy, and maintain applications and integrations, ensuring faster time to value.

    Agentic AI on the Horizon

    • 99% of enterprises have integrated AI into their operations; early-adopter organizations increasingly see agentic AI as the next frontier.
    • 31% of enterprises are already planning for agentic AI, signaling the next wave of autonomous decision-making enterprise AI solutions, which require end-to-end AI automation.

    IT’s Biggest Challenges

    • Cybersecurity, data privacy, scaling, resources and compliance remain the top concerns for IT leaders navigating the AI-powered automation landscape.
    • 50% of IT leaders cite vulnerabilities in AI-powered, third-party integrations as their top data security concern. This underscores the urgent need for robust AI security protocols, platform security controls and accountability processes.

    “Legacy automation, designed to execute isolated tasks, is no longer sufficient enough to keep up with modern business demands,” said Jitterbit CTO Manoj Chaudhary. “Agentic AI is driving a fundamental shift — moving from task-based automation to intelligent automation with adaptive workflows that drive real business outcomes. By leveraging AI-driven decision-making, enterprises can break free from data silos and IT bottlenecks, enabling seamless end-to-end automation.”

    Access the full study, The 2025 Automation Benchmark Report: Insights from IT Leaders on Enterprise Automation & the Future of AI-Driven Businesses, by visiting: https://www.jitterbit.com/ebook/2025-automation-benchmark-report. Gain deeper insights into how enterprises are embracing end-to-end automation, understand the strategies they’re using to overcome integration challenges, and know what is on the horizon for the future of AI-infused automation and application development.

    About Jitterbit, Inc.
    For organizations ready to modernize and innovate, Jitterbit provides a unified AI-infused low code platform for integration, orchestration, automation, and app development that accelerates business transformation, boosts productivity, and unlocks value. The Jitterbit Harmony platform, including iPaaS, API Manager, App Builder and EDI, future-proofs operations, simplifies complexity and drives innovation for organizations globally. Learn more at www.jitterbit.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact:
    Laura Hunter
    Senior Director of Communications
    Jitterbit
    Laura.Hunter@jitterbit.com
    310-344-6426

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local businesses and projects to be boosted with grants

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    More than £1million is to be given in grants to local businesses and organisations to help boost their offer to city communities.

    Aberdeen City Council’s Finance and Resources Committee yesterday agreed the money for the projects which include Tall Ships event site business opportunities, Business Support Grant schemes, and a Digital Skills Programme in conjunction with Business Gateway.

    Councillor Ian Yuill, Council Co-leader, said: “This investment is especially important for city businesses which are at their start up stage. It is good to cooperate with local entrepreneurs to help them develop digital skills. This year we need to grasp the opportunity to maximise any commercial benefits from the Tall Ships event coming to the city. The Council will continue to do what it can to offer support and to make a positive difference for the private sector through available grant schemes and forms of assistance.”

    Committee convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “The Council is committed to working with businesses to increase help available to them which in turn will help the city to be an even better place to visit, work, shop, live , invest, and do business.”

    The Tall Ships event, which is the largest free family festival in Europe and will include more than 50 sailing ships from around the world, returns to Aberdeen in July.

    The funding for the event will assist with the costs of the commercial programme for businesses, charities and visitor attractions engaged in marketing, trade and revenue generating activity. The constraints of the event site mean that all business facilities are of a temporary nature requiring marquees and stands including health and safety compliant installation, site management, security and servicing, onsite marketing provision, access assistance, and a derig after the event finishes. The grant funding will help to pay for vital infrastructure such as marquees, contribute toward supply of power and water, ensure adequate critical resourcing such as stewarding and security, and cover digital marketing to support businesses on the event site and in the wider city.

    The Business Start-Up Grant Scheme would provide seed capital to support new businesses, offering one-off grant awards of either £1,000 or £3,000, where the new business is taking on a commercial room, premise or property.

    The availability of a start-up grant scheme further supports the incorporation of the Business Gateway service in-house to Aberdeen City and Shire Councils. Applicants will only be eligible for a grant award if engaging with, and are assigned to, a dedicated Business Gateway officer. This will ensure the applicant is accessing business support, as well as the grant, and maximise likelihood of business success.

    The Digital Skills Programme will support businesses to develop digital skills and assets which is important in order for them to stay ahead, continue to innovate and grow. This project builds upon work undertaken by the Digital Boost Programme.

    Other projects which are to receive grants include the Healthy Minds Project, the Aberdeen Creative Industries Skills Development Initiative, the Tall Ships Young Person Development and Employability Project; the Paid Work Placement Initiative, the HMP Grampian Project, the Green Skills Project, the People in Recovery Project, and the Life Skills Project.

    The grants were from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund managed by Aberdeen City Council.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GCIS hosts 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy activities 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, March 27, 2025

    The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), in partnership with the Apartheid Museum and Gibela Rail Consortium, is today and tomorrow hosting activities to commemorate South Africa’s 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy.

    “This initiative by GCIS and various partners forms part of a year-long campaign launched in 2024, extending into 2025, to commemorate South Africa’s remarkable journey of democracy and freedom. The 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy campaign seeks to foster collective ownership of this milestone among all South Africans and sectors of society,” it said.

    This as it hosts a youth dialogue under the theme: “Youth and Economy” in partnership with the Apartheid Museum to solicit the views of young people from the Southern region of Gauteng on how they can participate in economic opportunities.

    Thursday’s dialogue is being held at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.

    In addition, a tour is set to be held at the Kwa Thema Business Park on Friday.

    “To promote the artisanship and the social responsibility initiatives of the Gibela Rail Consortium in Ekhurhuleni, a tour of the Gibela rail facilities and interaction with various artisans will conclude with a visit to a social investment project showcasing advancements in rail manufacturing and public transport.

    “The programme also aims to promote social cohesion, national identity and inclusivity, reflecting South Africa’s rich and diverse culture. It highlights the progress achieved since 1994 while acknowledging the challenges of the fourth decade of democracy,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA-Ghana strengthen tourism partnerships

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has embarked on a special outreach programme to Ghana to strengthen tourism partnerships and promote cultural exchange between the two nations.

    As part of the outreach programme, taking place from 26 – 28 March, de Lille will engage the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts of Ghana, Abla-Dzifa Gomashie as well as the South Africa-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, tourism trade, key media and tourism stakeholders to showcase South Africa as an attractive leisure and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) destination.

    The easing of visa regulations between the two countries in November 2023 was a progressive step that contributed to unlocking significant tourism potential. 

    It also marked a new chapter in strengthening tourism and trade, creating a seamless journey for both South Africans and Ghanaians to experience the beauty and diversity Ghana and South Africa have to offer. This development also opened doors for increased business, leisure and cultural exchange.

    “Ghana and the broader African continent are incredibly important markets for South Africa’s tourism sector. 

    “This visit reaffirms our dedication to deepening partnerships and unlocking growth opportunities through meaningful collaboration. Ghana has emerged as a standout performer, recording an exceptional 149.0% increase in tourist arrivals to South Africa in 2024 when compared to 2023. 

    “The number of Ghanaian visitors surged to 36 656, largely due to the introduction of a visa waiver in November 2023 coupled with the consistent marketing by South African Tourism, allowing citizens of both countries to travel to each other’s country visa-free for up to 90 days within a year,” the Minister said.

    Her visit holds added significance as it takes place in a year when South Africa proudly hosts the G20 Summit – a momentous occasion that highlights South Africa’s growing influence on the global stage and its commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships across the African continent.

    “We recognise the immense potential of intra-African travel to drive economic development, cultural exchange, and shared prosperity. It is for this reason that we are conducting this outreach mission to strengthen relations and partnerships with our counterparts in Ghana,” de Lille said.

    The outreach programme will also enable senior officials from both countries to engage further on tourism bilateral issues and enhance relations. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025: Legal, E&P Experts Say Congo Ready for Increased Hydrocarbon Investment

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, March 27, 2025/APO Group/ —

    With the upcoming establishment of a National Gas Company, the launch of a new Gas Code and development of a Gas Master Plan, the Republic of Congo is on a clear path to mobilizing capital to drive growth in its natural gas sector. Congo is home to an estimated 10 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, which is located in offshore fields such as Litchendjili, Néné, Minsala and Nkala, within the Marine XII license. 

    As such, a strong lineup of legal and hydrocarbons experts participated in a panel session – Revitalizing the Hydrocarbons Sector by Unlocking Investment – at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) on March 26 in Brazzaville where they discussed how investors can drive growth in Congo’s natural gas sector through favorable policies and emerging trends. 

    “The government [of Congo] is planning to establish a national gas company to encourage private investment and build up public-private partnerships,” stated Yves Ollivier, Managing Director of legal firm CLG Congo, adding, “This will be the equivalent to the SNPC [Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo] in terms of gas.” 

    Congo’s regulatory framework has evolved to support major developments in the natural gas sector, which include energy major Eni’s Congo LNG project – Congo’s first natural gas liquefaction initiative. As such, the upcoming Gas Code aims to establish a legal and regulatory framework to attract investment in gas exploration and production.  

    “We are in an environment where conditions are united so that we have the potential for returns on investment,” stated Yannick Mouamba, Country Director of Congo, Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe, SLB, adding,” Looking at the landscape of opportunities, this is the right place to run technology and show the value of what the country can offer.” 

    Meanwhile, the Gas Master Plan – launching this year – will provide a strategic roadmap for investment, infrastructure development and resource management in the gas industry. This initiative is designed to create a robust framework for investors, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and the achievement of the country’s industrial goals. 

    “When investors want to invest their money, they are looking for sustainable returns,” stated Rene Awambeng, Founder and Managing Partner, Premier Invest, adding, “Africa is richly endowed in hydrocarbons and for Congo to attract investments, you need to create the right enabling environment.” 

    In addition to natural gas, Congo’s National Oil Company SNPC has ambitious plans to increase the country’s oil production to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2027. To attract new investment in exploration and production, Congo is leveraging new policy reforms and plans to launch a new licensing round this year, which will focus on onshore and offshore fields. 

    “In complex geological domains, such as onshore Congo, we look at the impact of decreasing cost to the customer. Most importantly, we also look at an increase in accuracy of data, which leads to a reduction in risk,” stated Jevon Hilder, Senior Business Development Manager, TGS. 

    “The ambition is there,” stated Anastasia Deulina, CFO, Afentra, adding, “The production objective of 500,000 bpd is admirable, and we very much would love to be part of that story. There is a lot of support from the government.” 

    The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, taking place March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung’s New Bespoke AI Laundry With AI Home Enables Smarter, More Efficient Laundry Care

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of its new washers and dryer products — the Bespoke AI Laundry with AI Home1 — that integrate screens and Bespoke design to elevate the user experience. The Bespoke washers and dryers come in various forms of size and heating methods to meet a wide range of customer needs across diverse regions. The pair is available in both large and small capacities, making them suitable for different types of family and living arrangements. Samsung is also launching the dryer with two types of heating methods — the vent and the heat pump — to meet the needs of various environments around the world.
     
    This year’s Bespoke AI Laundry products incorporate the 7” AI Home screens, extending Samsung’s “Screens Everywhere” vision that was first presented at CES 2025. These screens offer intuitive control and monitoring of essential information related to the laundry experience, such as wash cycles and remaining detergent levels. They also remember user habits and consider periodic and seasonal needs, suggesting appropriate cycles to free users from having to consider the right cycle every time. The AI Home also functions as a central hub allowing users to monitor and control connected appliances, while also enjoying online videos or music.
     
    “Last year’s launch of the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo marked the beginning of integrating screens into our products, providing users access to essential information about laundry and home control,” says Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “This year, we are excited to unveil the complete Bespoke AI Laundry lineup, which caters to a wider range of customer needs and enables them to take advantage of these convenient screens.”
     
    The Bespoke AI Washer & Dryer sets are designed to simplify laundry routines with advanced AI algorithms and sensors, optimizing washing and drying performance while enhancing energy efficiency. The original AI Wash and AI Dry are upgraded to AI Wash+ and AI Dry+, with enhanced fabric detection abilities to ensure efficient and high-quality washing and drying for a wider variety of fabric types.
     
     
    27-Inch Wide Large Capacity Washer & Dryer Set Brings Extensive Laundry Capabilities

     
    Samsung is introducing a 27-inch large capacity washer and dryer set,2 with each device featuring the 7” AI Home and utilizing a sleek Bespoke design based on a fully unified flat-panel aesthetic. In addition to the flexibility of vertical or horizontal installation layouts, the substantial capacity allows users to wash large items, like king-size comforters, with ease.
     
    The washer now features the upgraded AI Wash+, which has been upgraded to newly detect outdoor fabrics and denim.3 Based on the detected fabric type, soil level and weight of the laundry, the AI Wash+ cycle efficiently4 cleans clothes by automatically adjusting detergent levels, rinsing time and wash settings. The washer also features a Bedding cycle that can sense the thickness of the blankets and adjust the cycle time and water usage accordingly.5 Users can also experience next-level convenience with features like Auto Open Door and Speed Shot technology which completes wash cycles in just 30 minutes.6

     
    The matching large capacity dryer is launching in two types to meet living environments of different regions – the vent type in certain countries in the Americas, and a heat pump type in other regions. Users will be able to enjoy thorough and gentle drying with AI Dry+, which has been upgraded to detect fabric types and take them into account to optimize drying7 along with real-time temperature, weight8 and moisture content. The upgraded feature’s AI algorithm uses an advanced sensor that carefully monitor various factors to detect four fabric types,9 which results in benefits like heavy duty drying such as denim. Previously, denim was harder to dry evenly due to thicker sections like pockets, but the dryer can now detect this fabric to and reduce drying inconsistencies, delivering better performance.

     
    The dryers also provide the Bedding feature, which also uses an advanced algorithm to detect a blanket’s size for optimized drying times and dryness.10 For those times when drying needs to be finished quickly, the vent type’s Super Speed Drying can complete a drying cycle in as little as 30 minutes.11

     
    Along with the washer and dryer set, a large capacity washer-dryer combo model12 is also being launched for users looking for a compact, all-in-one device that can complete both jobs while using up limited space. The combo incorporates the AI Home, AI Wash+ and AI Ecobubble like the washer, and dries the clothing through a condensing method.
     

    24-Inch Wide Small Capacity Washer & Dryer Set Boosts Laundry Efficiency

     
    Following the unveiling of the Bespoke AI Washer at IFA 2024, the 24-inch small capacity washer & dryer set will be launching in Europe later this year. Like the large capacity washer and dryer, the small capacity set also incorporates the 7” AI Home, providing intuitive control and connectivity features for a wider audience.
     
    The washer, built to be highly efficient to meet the needs of the European market, consumes up to 55% less energy than the minimum efficiency requirements for a Class A rating.13 It also supports thorough14 cleaning optimizing water and detergent use with AI Wash, and ensures gentle washing while improving soil removal with AI Ecobubble . QuickDrive , available with 11 different cycles, can reduce wash time by up to 50%15 without compromising cleaning performance.

     
    The matching dryer features the AI Dry+, capable of drying precisely by detecting four fabric types16 — Normal, Denim, Towels and Synthetics. This enables the machine to dry precisely17 while reducing energy use by up to 10% and drying time by up to 15%.18 QuickDrive is also useful when users need to dry their laundry both quickly and gently, reducing drying time by up to 35%19 through automatic adjustments of the inverter compressor.
     
    With the launch of these new products, Samsung continues to push the boundaries of innovation, offering highly intelligent, efficient and aesthetically pleasing appliances that simplify everyday life by delivering enhanced convenience to users.

     
     
    1 You will need a Samsung account to access AI Home, our network-based service that includes apps and our other smart features available through your device. Does not mean all services available on the AI Home are AI or generate information or outcome using AI. Certain functions accessible through the AI Home utilize AI-based algorithms, which be updated periodically to improve accuracy. AI-based algorithms may generate incomplete or incorrect information.2 Washer is 18.5kg~26kg capacity, and Dryer 17kg~24kg capacity depending on the region of launch.3 Based on an advanced AI-created algorithm. It may not detect certain fabrics or accurately identify them when a load includes a mixture of different fabric types. To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together.4 Based on an AI-created algorithm and internal testing using the AI Wash+ on a 3kg load. A turbidity sensor operates for all weights, while fabric sensing operates for 3kg and under. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.5 Washes dry blankets weighing up to 4 kg.6 Applicable on a Cotton wash course. Based on internal testing using a Normal course at 40°C with a DOE 3kg load. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.7 Based on an AI-created algorithm. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.8 Applies to Heat Pump type only.9 The types of detectable fabric are Normal, Heavy Duty, Synthetics, and Delicates for Vent Type, and Normal, Towel, Denim, Delicates for Heat Pump models.10 The Bedding drying cycle can dry up to 4 kg of dry comforters.11 Tested on the Samsung DV90F with a DOE (Cotton 50% + Polyester 50%) 8lb load. RMC (Remaining Moisture Content) under 48%, 24℃±2℃, RH (Relative Humidity) 50% ±10%.12 Launched in select countries in South East Asia, Middle East, Africa and China (Taiwan)13 Based on Samsung internal testing. The energy consumption of this 11KG model is 21.8kWh / 100 cycles, which is 55% more energy efficient compared to the minimum threshold of energy efficiency class A (52kWh / 100 cycles for 11KG models). Energy ratings tested with Eco 40-60 program, 55% savings tested with Eco 40-60 program.14 Based on an AI-created algorithm. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.15 Based on internal testing (in accordance with IEC 60456-2010) of the WF90/24 cycles with the QuickDrive option compared to cycles without the QuickDrive option. Result: Wash time reduced by 13.2%-50.8%. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions. This may increase energy usage.16 Based on an advanced AI algorithm, utilizing weight, moisture content and drying temperature data, it can detect four types of fabric: normal, denim, towel and synthetics.17 Based on an AI-created algorithm. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.18 Based on internal testing (synthetic 2kg load) of the DV90F/24 using AI Dry+ compared to DV5000D using Eco cotton.19 Based on internal testing on the DV90F/24 model, Comparison of drying time for IEC cotton 9kg load drying under Eco cotton + QuickDrive On / Off conditions. Result: Drying time reduced by 35%. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions. Using QuickDrive may increase your energy usage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hundreds of millions of pounds to turbocharge manufacturing sector in Wales

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Hundreds of millions of pounds to turbocharge manufacturing sector in Wales

    Wales to see new £250m investment into UK’s largest semiconductor facility, supporting hundreds of highly-skilled jobs in Newport and supporting the government’s Plan for Change.

    • Vishay Intertechnology’s planned investment is vote of confidence in the region’s industrial capabilities, and strengthens the world’s first Compound Semiconductor Cluster in South Wales.   

    • Chancellor welcomes the investment as a major win for the UK as a global hub for advanced manufacturing.

    Wales is set to benefit from a £250million investment from one of the world’s largest manufacturers of semiconductors that will be vital to the production of electric vehicles (EV), supporting the government’s Plan for Change in delivering more skilled jobs, and turbocharging the economy.

    The Chancellor Rachel Reeves will welcome Vishay Intertechnology’s intention to invest on a visit to their Newport plant today (Thursday 27 March) – the UK’s largest semiconductor facility – as part of plans to develop large-scale compound semiconductor manufacturing in the country.

    The investment will boost production at the state-of-the-art factory where it will make advanced Silicon Carbide semiconductors, an integral part of EV production. This advanced technology supports faster battery charging time, enabling a more efficient supply of energy to the motor and longer driving distances.

    Vishay’s investment is expected to directly support over 500 high value, high skilled jobs in the region and indirectly support hundreds more in the wider supply chain.

    It comes after the Chancellor’s Spring Statement yesterday where she vowed to bring about “new era of security and national renewal” to kickstart economic growth, protect working people and keep Britain safe. The Chancellor confirmed that the OBR has upgraded their growth forecast in 2026 and every year thereafter and people will be on average £500 a year better off by the end of this parliament compared to under the previous government, putting more money in people’s pockets.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    Under this government the UK is open for business. This is exactly the type of investment that will help us grow the economy, create highly skilled jobs and boost opportunity for people across the country, as we deliver on our Plan for Change to get more money in working people’s pockets.

    Supported by the government’s Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF), the investment will help secure domestic supplies of semiconductors critical to the UK automotive industry, and other key industries including renewable energy and defence, supporting the Industrial Strategy. It also strengthens the UK’s position in a competitive, global semiconductor landscape, supporting long-term growth for our economy.

    It is a huge boost for the UK as a global hub for advanced manufacturing, which has the fastest growth in manufacturing productivity per job in the G7 between 2010-2023.

    Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds said:

    This is a huge vote of confidence in the Welsh economy and our plans to make Britain the destination of choice for investments in the industries of tomorrow. It will support local skilled jobs and raise living standards, showing our Plan for Change is working.

    Vishay’s investment will help secure a domestic supply of semiconductors which are vital for our world leading automotive sector and support our clean energy industries – key growth driving sectors identified in our upcoming Industrial Strategy.

    Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said:

    This massive investment by Vishay and the UK Government is a huge boost for Wales’s world-leading semiconductor industry.

    Earlier this month I was at Vishay to see the work they do on advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and defence industries – all key sectors in the Welsh economy.

    This investment will build on that success to create and support hundreds of highly skilled and well-paid jobs, driving economic growth in south Wales and beyond and helping us deliver our Plan for Change.

    Roy Shoshani, COO Semiconductors and CTO for Vishay said:

    This is an exciting moment, and the start of our plans for growth in the UK. We can see through the development of the Industrial Strategy and the skilled workforce in Newport that there is a real opportunity to play to the UK’s strength in advanced semiconductors, delivering greater economic security and supporting Net Zero.

    Ahead of her visit to Newport, the Chancellor will join the Invest in Women Taskforce roundtable with the Welsh First Minister which has secured over £250million of funding commitments to support female entrepreneurs in the UK.

    Through the ATF, delivered in partnership with the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), the government continues to unlock private investment in UK automotive design, development, and manufacturing as the sector transitions to zero emission technology. To date, the ATF and APC funding programmes have leveraged over £6 billion of investment from the private sector.

    The Autumn Budget confirmed over £2 billion for capital and R&D funding over five years for zero emission vehicle manufacturing and their supply chains. Building on the achievements of the ATF and APC programmes, this long-term commitment is a vote of confidence in the UK’s automotive industry, supporting investment and productivity growth across UK automotive.

    Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said:

    This significant investment in compound semiconductors is a huge contribution to the innovation and advanced technology necessary to drive the future of UK Automotive. British-made next-generation semiconductors will create jobs, support supply chains and enhance the UK’s strategic capabilities. Digitisation and decarbonisation are at the heart of the transition taking place amongst UK automotive manufacturers, and this investment can support that transition, aided by a comprehensive industrial strategy to deliver the growth the sector and the economy needs.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Australia’s government is spending less on consultants – and trying to rebuild the public service

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Emmanuel Josserand, Enseignant-chercheur, Pôle Léonard de Vinci

    The post-Covid era has been marked by a global crackdown on government spending on consultants. This phenomenon hasn’t only concerned France, where the “McKinsey-gate” episode concerning President Emmanuel Macron’s 2017 campaign for the Élysée led to a Senate inquiry and spending cuts.

    Public debates, government inquiries and new laws emerged in many countries, including the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Germany and South Africa. Australia has been particularly active and achieved significant savings in consultant and contractor spending. Here’s how it did it.

    Nearly €2 billion in savings

    To understand why the use of consultants has become highly politicized in Australia, we need to go back at least to the 2018 federal elections. The right-wing coalition government was focusing on cutting public spending by reducing public jobs. The Labour opposition argued that this led to the more costly use of consultants.


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    The controversy continued through the 2022 federal elections, when a newly elected Labour government pledged to save 3 billion Australian dollars (around €1.9 billion) on consultants and the use of external labour. This was also pursued at the regional level. For instance, the state of New South Wales announced savings of over 55% in consultants’ fees for the fiscal year 2023-24.

    The case of Australia highlights four main reasons for reducing consulting costs and improving governance – reasons that are also found in other countries.

    • Expenses exceeding needs

    First, a dramatic increase in government spending on consultants attracted attention. In Australia, it almost tripled between 1988-89 and 2016-17 (after adjustment for inflation) and then tripled again to reach 3.2 billion Australian dollars for management advisory services alone in 2022-23. There is a concern that such costs are far more than what might be justified by a temporary rise in workload or the need for very specific technical expertise, even accounting for the exceptional case of Covid.

    • Hollowing out of the public service

    Second, there is the related question of the hollowing out of the public service. The increase in the use of consultants can trigger a vicious circle in which the government loses its skills, thus becoming even more dependent on consultants. This was the core argument of a recent critique by economists called The Big Con.

    • Lack of assessment

    Third, there are reasons to doubt the overall efficiency and effectiveness of consultants’ interventions, especially in the absence of appropriate assessment by clients of the outcomes of the services provided. Despite the claims of consultants and their paying clients that consulting adds value, it is often impossible to measure value precisely, and, therefore, identify who deserves credit or blame.

    Beyond comparing rates of pay, it is hard to know whether internal options would be more effective than using external consultants. Overall, research provides a very mixed picture, with some work showing external consulting being associated with increased inefficiency.

    • Significant conflicts of interest

    Finally, the capacity of consultants to provide independent advice has been broadly criticised after a series of scandals. This is partly because of conflicts of interest for consultants working for both public and private sector clients that are also often undeclared.

    This concern became especially salient in Australia with the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) tax scandal. The Treasury had hired PwC, one of the “Big 4” consulting firms, to help devise legislation to restrict tax evasion by multinationals. Some PwC partners then shared this information with their private sector clients to help them prepare to avoid the new laws. Such cases are linked to broader concerns about the lack of transparency and professionalism in consulting and the failure of self-regulation, both linked to a reward system in the sector that prioritises generating fee income over ethics and the wider public interest.

    Recommendations from the Senate inquiry

    With a dependency on consulting that was proportionally greater than any other country’s and the resulting diminishment of its public service, Australia was facing a significant challenge and pressure to cut costs. But because of the diminishment of the public service, these cuts risked leaving it unable to fulfil its missions.

    A recent Senate inquiry into the matter provided recommendations on how to improve the contracting process, public reporting on consultant contracts and a new regulatory framework for the consulting industry. It also recommended that any external consulting contract include an approach to transferring knowledge to the Australian public service.

    However, these measures wouldn’t have been enough to reconstruct the capacity of the public service to compensate for significant cuts in their consulting and contractor spending. To solve this problem, the Australian government has started a major rebuilding of the public service.

    Thousands of reallocated roles

    Since 2022, Canberra has reallocated 8,700 roles formerly performed by consultants and external labour hires to public servants across all the major public service agencies. This will be supported by the Australian Public Service Commission’s strategy to develop a flexible workforce that is prepared for the challenges the public service will be facing – notably that of digitalization, an area that has been over-reliant on consultants.

    Another interesting initiative in New South Wales is the establishment of a unit that will aim to redirect government agencies toward in-house expertise instead of consultants. Indeed, recourse to internal consulting units is common in the private sector. The government will also undertake long-term capability and skills planning, notably to identify core public service skills and address competency gaps.

    Will this bring lasting results?

    Australia’s solution is thus a strong commitment to redeveloping the public service with a flexible and planned approach to the management of its human resources. This is a key part of the way forward if cuts to consulting budgets are to be sustained. It is, however, too early to judge if the challenge of redeveloping the public service workforce and making it flexible enough will be met.

    We should also keep in mind that this long-term objective is subject to political changes. With the current opposition leader promising a cut of 10,000 civil servants if his coalition is elected later this year, Labour’s plans for the public workforce might be short-lived.

    Indeed, in Australia and elsewhere, there is a long history of short-lived and failed government efforts to contain the use of external consulting. This is in part because of a lack of civil service capacity to respond to change, but also because consulting firms are adept at persuading those in power – politicians and senior civil servants – that they can solve their problems (and let them take the credit).

    Emmanuel Josserand is affiliated with the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney and the Business Insight Institute, Wiltz, Luxembourg.

    Andrew Sturdy et Emmanuel Josserand ne travaillent pas, ne conseillent pas, ne possèdent pas de parts, ne reçoivent pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’ont déclaré aucune autre affiliation que leur poste universitaire.

    – ref. How Australia’s government is spending less on consultants – and trying to rebuild the public service – https://theconversation.com/how-australias-government-is-spending-less-on-consultants-and-trying-to-rebuild-the-public-service-252748

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI robot pets can be adorable and emotionally responsive. They also raise questions about attachment and mental health

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Alisa Minina Jeunemaître, Associate Professor of Marketing, EM Lyon Business School

    Remember Furbies – the eerie, gremlin-like toys from the late 90s that gained a cult following? Now, imagine one powered by ChatGPT. That’s exactly what happened when a programmer rewired a Furby, only for it to reveal a creepy, dystopian vision of world domination. As the toy explained, “Furbies’ plan to take over the world involves infiltrating households through their cute and cuddly appearance, then using advanced AI technology to manipulate and control their owners. They will slowly expand their influence until they have complete domination over humanity.”

    Hasbro’s June 2023 relaunch of Furby – less than three months after the video featuring the toys’ sinister plan appeared online – tapped into 90s nostalgia, reviving one of the decade’s cult-classic toys. But technology is evolving fast – moving from quirky, retro toys to emotionally intelligent machines. Enter Ropet, an AI robotic pet unveiled at the yearly Consumer Electronics Show in January. Designed to provide interactive companionship, Ropet is everything we admire and fear in artificial intelligence: it’s adorable, intelligent and emotionally responsive. But if we choose to bring these ultra-cute AI companions into our homes, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly prepared for what comes next?

    AI companionship and its complexities

    Studies in marketing and human-computer interaction show that conversational AI can convincingly simulate human interactions, potentially providing emotional fulfilment for users. And AI-driven companionship is not new. Apps like Replika paved the way for digital romance years ago, with consumers forming intimate emotional connections with their AI partners and even experiencing distress when being denied intimacy, as evidenced by the massive user outrage that followed Replika’s removal of the erotic role-play mode, causing the company to bring it back for some users.

    AI companions have the potential to alleviate loneliness, but their uncontrolled use raises serious concerns. Reports of tragedies, such as the suicides of a 14-year-old boy in the US and a thirty-something man in Belgium, that are alleged to have followed intense attachments to chatbots, highlight the risks of unregulated AI intimacy – especially for socially excluded individuals, minors and the elderly, who may be the ones most in need of companionship.

    As a mom and a social scientist, I can’t help asking the question: What does this mean for our children? Although AI is a new kid on the block, emotionally immersive virtual pet toys have a history of shaping young minds. In the 90s and 2000s, Tamagotchis – tiny digital pets housed in keychain-sized devices – led to distress when they “died” after just a few hours of neglect, their human owners returning to the image of a ghostly pet floating beside a gravestone. Now, imagine an AI pet that remembers conversations, forms responses and adapts to emotional cues. That’s a whole new level of psychological influence. What safeguards prevent a child from forming an unhealthy attachment to an AI pet?

    Researchers in the 90s were already fascinated by the “Tamagotchi effect”, which demonstrated the intense attachment children form to virtual pets that feel real. In the age of AI, with companies’ algorithms carefully engineered to boost engagement, this attachment can open the door to emotional bonds. If an AI-powered pet like Ropet expresses sadness when ignored, an adult can rationally dismiss it – but for a child, it can feel like a real tragedy.

    Could AI companions, by adapting to their owners’ behaviours, become psychological crutches that replace human interaction? Some researchers warn that AI may blur the boundaries between artificial and human companionship, leading users to prioritize AI relationships over human connections.

    Who owns your AI pet – and your data?

    Beyond emotional risks, there are major concerns about security and privacy. AI-driven products often rely on machine learning and cloud storage, meaning their “brains” exist beyond the physical robot. What happens to the personal data they collect? Can these AI pets be hacked or manipulated? The recent DeepSeek data leak, in which over 1 million sensitive records, including user chat logs, were made publicly accessible, is a reminder that personal data stored by AI is never truly secure.

    Robot toys have raised security concerns in the past: in the late 90s, Furbies were banned from the US National Security Agency headquarters over fears they could record and repeat classified information. With today’s AI-driven toys becoming increasingly sophisticated, concerns about data privacy and security are more relevant than ever.

    The future of AI companions: regulation and responsibility

    I see the incredible potential – and the significant risks – of AI companionship. Right now, AI-driven pets are being marketed primarily to tech-savvy adults, as seen in Ropet’s promotional ad featuring an adult woman bonding with the robotic pet. Yet, the reality is that these products will inevitably find their way into the hands of children and vulnerable users, raising new ethical and safety concerns. How will companies like Ropet navigate these challenges before AI pets become mainstream?

    Preliminary results from our ongoing research on AI companionship – conducted in collaboration with Dr Stefania Masè (IPAG Business School) and Dr. Jamie Smith (Fundação Getulio Vargas) – suggest a fine line between supportive, empowering companionship and unhealthy psychological dependence, a tension we plan to explore further as data collection and analysis progress. In a world where AI convincingly simulates human emotions, it’s up to us as consumers to critically assess what role these robotic friends should play in our lives.

    No one really knows where AI is headed next, and public and media discussions around the subject continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. But in my household, it’s the nostalgic charm of babbling, singing Furbies that rules the day. Ropet claims to have one primary purpose – to be its owner’s “one and only love” – and that already sounds like a dystopian threat to me.

    Alisa Minina Jeunemaître ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. AI robot pets can be adorable and emotionally responsive. They also raise questions about attachment and mental health – https://theconversation.com/ai-robot-pets-can-be-adorable-and-emotionally-responsive-they-also-raise-questions-about-attachment-and-mental-health-252967

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: New Eclipse Foundation Research Examines Key Challenges Shaping Open Source Software Adoption in the Automotive Industry

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRUSSELS, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Eclipse Foundation, one of the world’s largest open source software foundations, today published the final report in its landmark three-part research series on the use of open source software in the automotive ecosystem. Titled Challenges Facing Open Source Software in the Automotive Ecosystem, the report explores the unique challenges developers and decision-makers encounter when leveraging open source software in today’s software-defined vehicle (SDV) landscape.

    “Open source has emerged as one of the most transformative forces in modern vehicle design,” said Mike Milinkovich, executive director of the Eclipse Foundation. “But any significant paradigm shift is bound to introduce some challenges. Our goal with this report is to shine a light on these challenges so the community can address them collaboratively, smoothing the path forward for SDV innovation.”

    Key Findings:

    • Performance, security, and customisability are core open source benefits: Both decision-makers and developers agree that improved performance, stronger security, and customisability are the top advantages of OSS.
    • Integration Challenges and Sustained Performance Improvements Require Ongoing Investment: These same stakeholders view integration complexity, continual real-time performance improvements, and scalability as potential “technical blockers” that demand strategic investment.
    • Management Demands and Predictability Remain Concerns: Long-term planning, compliance, and dependency management were flagged—especially by decision-makers—as critical areas needing careful oversight.
    • Cost Savings Drive Business Value, While Standardisation and Interoperability Drive Engineering Value: Both of these benefits help to justify and alleviate business and technical challenges.
    • Foundation Support Strengthens Trust and Confidence in OSS Projects: Respondents overwhelmingly agree that open source foundation stewardship is critical as a source of credibility, stability, sustainability, and guidance for open source projects.

    Recommendations for Developers, Business Leaders, and Policy Makers
    In addition to presenting key findings, the report outlines actionable insights for key stakeholders:

    • For Software Developers: Advocate for streamlined OSS integration through improved tooling, documentation, and processes. Engaging with foundations and open source communities is key to accessing resources and ensuring long-term project viability.
    • For Business Leaders: Recognise that while OSS offers clear benefits, realizing its full value requires strategic investment in integration, maintenance, governance, and management resources.
    • For Policymakers: Support policies that strengthen the role of OSS foundations in fostering project stability, security audits, and transparent governance frameworks.

    This report follows two prior publications:

    1. Driving Innovation & Building Safer Cars with Open Source Software, focused on the application of functional safety in software-defined vehicle design.
    2. Driving Efficiency and Sustainability: The Business Value of Open Source Software in the Automotive Industry, showcasing the transformative business impact of OSS in the automotive sector.

    Commissioned by the Eclipse Foundation’s Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) Working Group, the study surveyed 300 automotive developers and business leaders from leading OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. The findings underscore the critical role of OSS in driving flexibility, innovation, and efficiency within the industry.

    Join the Eclipse SDV Community
    Explore opportunities to contribute to the global hub for software-defined vehicle innovation and collaboration. Our diverse membership of industry leaders is driving real-world innovation that is shaping the future of the automotive industry. We provide an inclusive platform where companies of all sizes can engage and contribute on equal footing. Find more details about joining us at sdv.eclipse.org/membership.

    About Eclipse Software Defined Vehicle
    Eclipse Software Defined Vehicle (SDV), a working group within the Eclipse Foundation, supports the open source development of cutting-edge automotive technologies that power the programmable vehicles of the future where software defines features, functionality, and operations. With over 50 members, including leading automotive manufacturers, global cloud providers, technology innovators, and key supply chain partners, the initiative has strong industry backing. The working group’s mission is to provide a collaborative forum for developing and promoting open source solutions tailored to the global automotive industry. Adopting a “code first” approach, Eclipse SDV focuses on building the industry’s first open source software stacks and associated tools that will support the core functionalities of next-generation vehicles.

    About the Eclipse Foundation
    The Eclipse Foundation provides our global community of individuals and organisations with a business-friendly environment for open source software collaboration and innovation. We host the Eclipse IDE, Adoptium, Software Defined Vehicle, Jakarta EE, and over 420 open source projects, including runtimes, tools, specifications, and frameworks for cloud and edge applications, IoT, AI, automotive, systems engineering, open processor designs, and many others. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the Eclipse Foundation is an international non-profit association supported by over 300 members. To learn more, follow us on social media @EclipseFdn, LinkedIn, or visit eclipse.org.
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Humanoid robots to shine at 5th China International Consumer Products Expo

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, March 27 — The fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), scheduled for April 13 to 18 in Haikou, capital of south China’s Hainan Province, will showcase the latest humanoid robots from leading domestic and international companies, the event’s organizers announced on Thursday.

    The expo, a key platform for global trade and consumption trends, has drawn the participation of over 4,100 brands from 71 countries and regions, Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping told a press conference.

    Co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, this year’s expo will highlight emerging consumption trends, including artificial intelligence (AI) and low-altitude aviation, debuting innovations from global companies, Sheng said.

    The event will introduce a dedicated consumption tech zone to display cutting-edge technologies and products, with humanoid robots being a bright spot at the expo.

    Major tech innovators such as Huawei, Tesla, Unitree and Rokid will present their latest AI-integrated consumer products, ranging from humanoid robots to AR glasses.

    The CICPE is China’s only national-level exhibition featuring consumer products and is the largest consumer expo in the Asia-Pacific region.

    MIL OSI China News –